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LIBRARY, 

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THE  PENNIMAN  MEMORIAL  LIBRARY  OF  EDUCATION 

OF  BROWN  UNIVERSITY 

ESTABLISHED  BY  JAMES  HOSMER  PENNIMAN,  YALE  181 

IN  MEMORY  OF  HIS  PARENTS 

MARIA  DAVIS  HOSMER 

JAMES  LANMAN  PENNIMAN,  YALE  1863 

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•       4  , 


GEOGRAPHY    MADE   EASY 


ABRIDGEMENT 


American  Universal  Geography, 

TO    WHICH    ARE    PREFIXED 

ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

FOR    THE    USE    OF    SCHOOLS    AND    ACADEMIES    IN    THE   UNITED 
STATES    OF    AMERICA. 

BY  JEDIDIAH  MORSE,  D.  D. 

ADTUOB,    OF    THE    AMERICAN    UNIVERSAL    GEOGRAPHY   AND    THl 
AMERICAN    GAZETTEER. 

There  is  not  a  son  or  daughter  of  Adam,  but  has  some  concern  both 
in  Geography  and  Astronomy.  '^°  "' 

Illustrated  with  a  map  oi 

MAP  OF  KORTH-A 

©irteetttf)  ©Di 

AN'D     FOURTH     OF    THIS     NEW     


,  .  BOSTON : 

PUHLISHED    BY    THOMAS  &   AK6REWS.        . 
BOLD    AT    THKIR    I!U«K3T0RE,     NO    4,5   NEWKLRY-STREFT  ;      BY     EAST' 
BURN,  KIRK,  AND   CO.   NEW-YORK,    M    CAREY,  rHILADELPHIA  ;     AND 
BT    TUB    PRINCIPAL    BOOKSELLERS    IN    THE    UNlTiO    STATES. 

J.  r.  BVt.KiyiiHAHL,   tRimMK, 

Oct.  181 S. 


•^^pHB^j^r 


DISTRICT  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  to  wit : 

BE  IT  REMEM  BERED,  that  on  the  twentieth  day  ef  April,  m 
the  thirty-third  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of 
America  ,  Jedidiah  Morse  of  the  said  District,  has  deposited  in  this 
Office  the  Title  of  a  Book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  Author, 
in  the  words  following,  to  -wit  : 

'<  Geography  made  easy  :  being  an  Abridgement  of  the  American 
Universal  Geography.  To  wliich  are  prcfijed  Elements  of  Geogra- 
phy. For  the  use  of  Schools  and  Academies  in  the  United  States  of 
America.  Bv  Jedidiah  Morse,  D.  D.  author  of  the  American  Univer- 
sal Geography,  and  the  American  Gazetteer.  '  There  is  not  a  son 
or  daughter  of  Adam,  but  has  some  concern  both  in  Geography  and 
Astronomy.' — Dr.  Watts.  Illustrated  with  a  Map  of  the  M'orld,  and 
a  iMap  of  North- America." 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  en- 
titled, "  An  Act  for  the  Encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the 
copies  of  I^taps,  Charts  and  Books,  to  the  Authors  and  Proprietors  of 
r,ucii  copies,  during  the  times  therein  mentioned:"  and  also  to  an  Act, 
intlfled,  "  An  Act  suppkmentary  to  an  Act,  entitlwl.  An  Act  for  the 
Eiic(  uragement  of  Learning,  liy  securing  the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts, 
nuo  Books,  to  the  Authors  and  Proprietor-  of  such  copies,  during  the 
times  therein  mentioned  ;  and  extencinp  th.e  benefits  thereof  to  the 
arts  of  Dtsi"ning,  Engra7ingand  Etching  Historical  and  other  Prints." 

WILLIAM.  S.  SHAW, 
Ckrk  cf  iht  Diitricf  of  Liatsaclmttt:, 


PREFACE. 

NO  national  government  holds  out  to  its  subjects  jo  many  al- 
luring motives  to  obtain  an  accurate  knowledge  of  their  own 
country,  and  of  its  various  interests,  as  that  of  United  Ameri- 
ca. By  the  freedom  of  our  elections,  public  honors  and  public 
offices  are  not  confined  to  any  one  class  of  men,  but  are  offered 
to  merit,  in  whatever  rank  it  may  be  found.  To  discharge  the 
duties  of  public  office  with  honor  and  applause,  the  history, 
policy,  commerce,  productions,  particular  advantages  and  inter- 
ests of  the  several  states  ought  to  be  thoroughly  understood. 
It  is  obviously  wise  and  prudent,  then,  to  imtiate  our  youth  into 
the  knowledge  of  these  thing?,  and  thus  to  form  their  minds 
upon  correct  principles,  and  prepare  them  for  future  usefulness 
and  honor.  There  is  no  science  better  adapted  to  the  capacities 
of  youth,  and  more  apt  to  captivate  their  attention  than  Geog- 
raphy. An  acquaintance  with  this  science,  more  than  with  any 
other,  satisfies  that  pertinent  curiosity,  wliich  is  the  predominat-- 
ing  feature  of  the  youthful  mind.  It  is  to  be  lamented  that  this 
part  of  education  has  been  so  long  neglected  in  America.  Our 
young  ra^n,  UiiiversaUy,  have  been  much  better  acquainted  v^rJi 
the  geog:  loiiy  of  Europe  and  Asia,  than  with  that  of  their  own 
state  and  country.  The  v/art  of  suitable  books  has  been  the 
cause,  we  hoj-e  the  sole  cause,  of  this  shameful  defect  in  our  ed- 
ucation. Until  within  a  few  years,  we  have  seldom  pretended 
to  write,  and  hardly  to  think  for  ourselves.  We  have  humbly 
rec  d  from  Great-Britain  our  Ja'^s  our  Eianners,  our  books, 
and  our  modes  of  thinking  ;  and  our  youth  have  been  educated 
rather  as  the  subjects  of  the  British  king,  than  as  the  citizens  of 
a  free  and  independent  nation.  But  the  scene  is  now  changed. 
The  revolution  has  beeiT,favorable  to  science  in  general ;  par- 
ticularly to  that  of  the  geograpiiy  of  our  own  country. 

In  the  following  pages,  the  Author  has  endeavored  to  bring 
this  valuable  branch  of  knov/ledge  home  to  common  schools,  and 
to  the  cottage  fire-side,  by  comprising,  in  a  small  and  cheap 
volume;  the  most  entertaining  and  interesting  part  of  his  Ameri- 


Au3x94 


iv  PREFACE. 

can  Universal  Geography.  He  has  endeavored  to  accommodate 
it  to  the  use  ofschocL',  as  a  reading  book,  that  our  youth  of  both 
sexes,  at  the  same  time  thai;  they  are  learning  to  read,  might  im- 
bibe an  acquaintance  with  their  country,  and  an  attachment  to 
its  interests;  and,  in  that  forming  period  of  their  lives,  begin  to 
qualify  themselves  to  act  their  several  parts  in  life,  with  reputa- 
tion to  themselves,  and  with  usefulness  to  th^ir  country. 

That  the  labors  of  the  Author  may  be  a  benefit  to  the  youth 
of  that  country  which  he  loves,  and  which  he  has  sedulously  ex* 
plored,  is  his  moit  ardent  wish. 

Nutv-Haveny  1789. 

Postscript.  In  consequence  of  the  numerous  changes,  which 
have  taken  place  in  the  world,  since  this  AbiiJgement  wa  first 
made,  {oi  \yh\ch.t\\\sisx.h(i  fitirtiL'r]th  edition)  the  Author  has 
thought  it  expedient,  for  the  purpose  of  introducing  the  im- 
•  provements  in  the  last  editions  of  his  Universi!  Geography  and 
Gazetteer  to  abridge  them  anew  ;  wnich  has  been  done,  uraer 
his  direction  and  inspection  by  another  hand.  The  work  is 
DOW  presented  to  the  Public,  in  an  improved  and  more  inviting 
form,  and  the  changes  which  have  taken  place  in  the  world,  in 
this  eventful  period,  have  been  noticed  down  to  the  present  year. 
Char  lis  io'vjn,  ■'ipri/,  181 1, 


CONTENT&. 


Page. 

ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY 

9 

Definitions 

9 

History  of  Geography  and  Astronomy 

9 

The  Solar  System 

13 

Comets 

18 

Fi-xed  Stars 

18 

Eclipses                                                      «     •  - 

19 

Doctrine  of  the  Sphere' 

20 

The  Globes 

23 

Problems 

25 

Maps 

29 

Natural  Divisions  of  the  Earth's  surface 

30 

Component  parts  of  the  Earth 

31 

Volcanoes 

32 

Earthquakes 

33 

Magnetism 

34. 

Gravitation 

34 

Tides 

35 

The  Atmosphere 

36 

Winds 

36 

Vapors  and  Clouds 

39 

Electricity 

39 

Light 

40 

The  Harvest  Moon 

41 

Northern  Light 

41 

Heat  and  Cold 

42 

Political  Divisions  of  the  Earth 

43 

Inhabitants 

44} 

Forms  of  Government 

45 

Religions 

46 

Of  the  Divisions  of  TIrae 

48 

Measures 

50 

Of  the  Log  Line 

51 

AMERICA 

5$ 

North-America 

62 

Aboriginal  America 
Greenland 

68 

69 

Labrador  and  Hudson  Fay 

71 

A  ^ 

vi  CONTENTS. 

Page 

Interior  Countries  73 

Northwest  Coast  75 

Northern  Archipelago  76 

British  America  77 

Upper  Canada  77 

Lower  Canada  86 

Island  of  Cape  Breton  82 

New-Brunswick  83 

Nova-Scotia  S-i 

Island  of  St.  John's  86 

Newfoundland  Island  86 

The  Bermudas  or  Sommers's  Islands  87 

The  United  States  88 

District  of  Maine  115 

New- Hampshire  118 

Vermont  123 

Massachusetts  126 

Rhode-Island  136 

Connecticut  140 

New- York  146 

New-Jersey  1 57 

Delaware.  162 

Pennsylvania  165 

Ohio  172 
Michigan  Territory                                                         '     176 

Indiana  Territory  178 

Illinois  Territory  179 

Maryland  180 

Columbia  Territory  183 

Virginia                                                     ~  '  185 

Kentucky  192 

-Tennessee  195 

North-Carolina  199- 

South  Carolina  ,204 

Georgia  209 

Missisippi  Territory  213 

Louisiana  215^ 

Spanish  America  217 

Florida  218 

Mexico  219 

Fouth-Amfrica  223 


CONTENTS, 

"vH 

Page 

Peru 

228 

Chili- 

230 

Buenos  Ayres 

231 

Guiana 

232 

Brazil 

235 

Amazonia 

237 

Patagonia 

238 

South-American  Islands 

23^ 

West-Indies 

241 

The  Bahama  Isles 

24.2 

The  Antilles 

24* 

The  Virgin  Isles 

246 

The  Caribbees 

246 

EUROPE 

247 

Lapland 

250 

Denmark 

25  i 

Sweden 

255 

Russia 

258 

Poland 

26  S 

Prussia 

264 

Germany 

267 

Principal  States  of  Germaji/ 

268 

Austria 

27» 

Austrian  Dominions 

275 

Great- Britain 

277 

England 

278 

Wales 

281 

Scotland 

282 

Ireland 

28S 

Smaller  British  Isles 

285 

France 

285 

Netherlands 

288 

Holland 

291 

Switzerland 

294 

Spain 

295 

Portugal 

299 

Italy 

302 

Mediterranean  Islands           . 

307 

Turkey 

309 

Islands  belonging  to  the  Turilih  ^inpirc 

SI  2 

^m  CONTENTS. 

ASIA  3^ 

Turkey  3iy 

Asiatic  Russia  ,                                      322 

Tartary  '                                      323 

China  325 

Thibet  32« 

Hindoostan  350 

India  beyond  the  Ganges  331 

Assam  331 

The  Birman  Empire  332 

Siam  333 

Malacca  333 

Liaos  33^ 

Cambodia  33^ 

Cochin  China  334, 


Persia 


334 


Arabia  335 

Japan  33Y 

Oriental  Islands  333. 

AFRICA  340 

Egypt  34^ 

Nubia,  Dar-Foor  344 

Abyssinia,  and  the  Eastern  Coast  345. 

Southern  and  Western  Coasts  345. 

States  of  Barbary  34^ 

Morocco  34y 

Algiers  34^ 

J""^V  350 

Tnpoh  35, 

iJarca  3^3 

African  Islands  353 

Islands  of  the  Pacific  Ocean  357 

Austral  Asia  3^7 

Polynesia  358 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY, 


DEFINITIONS, 


GEOGRAPHY  is  a  Science,  which  describes  the  fig^ 
ure,  uiotioti,  ma.^nitiide,  and  coniponcnl  parts  of  the  earth  ; 
the  siiua'.iuns,  extent,  and  appearances  of  the  various  parts 
of  its  surface  ;  its  productions,  animal  and  vegetable  ;  its 
natural  and  political  divisions  ;  and  the  history,  manners, 
customs,  and  religion  of  its  inhabit mts. 

The  Science,  winch  treats  of  the  heavenly  bodies,  and 
exnlainS  their  motions,  magnitudes,  periods,  and  distances, 
is  c died  astronomy: 

1  rese  two  Sciences  are  so  intimately  connected,  that 
a  con, pete nt  knowledge  of  Gcograpliy  is  unatl'-dnablej 
witliout  some  previous  acquaintance  with  Astronomy. 

We  shall  commence  this  work  with  the  following  brief 
historical  account  of  the  origin,  progress,  and  improve- 
ment of  Geography  and  Astronomy. 

HISTORY  OF  GEOGRAPHY  AND  ASTRONOJilY. 

Geography,  like  every  other  science,  at  its  beginning 
was  very  imperfect,  and  arrived  at  its  present  improved^ 
though  far  from  perfect  state,  by  slow  advances.  The 
early  geographeis,  being  destitute  of  mathematical  instru- 
ments, and  unable  to  make  asiroiiomical  observations,  be- 
gan first  to  determine  the  situation  of  places,  according  to 
climates  ;  which  they  fixed  from  the  form  and  color  of 
the  people  and  animals,  which  were  to  be  found  in'those 
different  countries.  The  appearance  of  negroes,  and  of 
the  large  animals,  such  as  the  rhinoceros,  and  the  ele- 
phant, suggested  to  them  where  to  fix  th,3  limits  of  the 
torrid  or  burning  zone.  For  reason,  said  they,  points  out 
to  usj  that  similar  animals  and  plants  appear  in  the  sanje 


10  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  \ 

temperature  of  the  elements,  and  are  produced  according  \ 
to  the  similar  state  of  the  air  or  climate  vmder  the  same  \ 
parallels,  or  a  like  situation  equally  distant  from  either  I 
pole.     This  was  the  first  rude  outline  of  GeograpJiy.  1 

The  Babylonians  and  Egyptians  soon  after  adopted  j 
the  method  of  determining  thesituationsof  places,  or  their  | 
distance  from  the  equator,  by  observing  the  length  of  their   ' 
longest  and  shortcut  day,  which  they  determined  by  means 
of  a  kind  oi sioi-dial,  called  &  gnomon.     All  the  places,  for 
instance,  where  the  longest  day  was  just  fourteen  hours, 
or  wliere  the  shortest  day  was  ten  hours,  ■yrerc,  of  course, 
at  the  same  distance  from  the  equator. 

Astronomy,  as  a  science,  was  first  cultivated  by  the 
Egyptians,  Phenicians,  and  Chaldeans.  From  them  the 
Greeks  derived  their  knowledge  of  this  science. 

The  first  of  the  Greeks,  who  laid  the  foundation  of  As- 
tronomy, was  Thalks,  born  at  Miietus,  641  years  before 
Christ.  He  explained  the  cause  of  eclipses,  and  predict- 
ed one.  He  taught  that  the  earth  was  round,  which  be- 
fore had  been  considered  as  an  extensive  plane,  while  the 
sun  and  stars  mtived  round  it.  He  divided  the  earth  into 
five  zones,  discovered  the  solstices  and  equinoxes,  and 
divided  the  year  into  36.^  days.  He  travelled  into  Egypt, 
in  quest  of  knowledge,  and  measured  the  height  of  the 
pyriimids. 

Pythagoras,  the  scholar  of  Thales,  taught  publicly 
the  doctrir;e,  common  in  his  time,  ihat  the  earth  was  the 
centre  cf  the  universe  j  but  to  Ms  scholars,  he  communi- 
,  cated  his  real  opinions,  which  weie  similar  to  those  since 
adopted  by  Copernicus  ;  that  the  earth  and  all  the  planets 
move  round  the  sun  as  their  centre  ;  which  doctrine  he  ia 
supposed  to  have  derived  from  the  astronomers  of  India. 

Philoi.aus,  the  scliolar  of  Pytliagoras,  and  Archytas 
of  Taientum,  according  to  a  passage  in  the  works  of  Cic- 
ero,  first  taught  publicly  the  diuriial  or  daily  motion  of 
the  earth,  and  its  annual  or  yearly  motion  round  the  sun. 
This  passage  is  said  to  have  suggested  to  Copernicus  the 
first  idea  of  that  system  which  he  established. 

Democritus  was  the  first  who  taught  that  the  milhj 
•way  is  occasioned  by  the  confused  light  of  an  infinity  of 
stars,  which  ^  the  doctri^!('  -.tiH  maintained  by  the  best  of 
philosophers.    Plato,  and  Aristotle  and  Eudoxvs,  the 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  n 

scholars  of  Plato,  contributed  much  to  the  improvement 
of  Astronomy. 

But  the  greatest  improvements  in  this  science  were 
made  in  the  famous  astronomical  school  of  Alexandria, 
founded  by  Ptolemy  Philadelphus,  about  320  years  before 
Christ.  The  first  in  this  school,  who  distinguished  them- 
selves, were  Timocharis  and  Aristillus,  who  intro- 
duced the  manner  of  determining  the  positions  of  ihe  stars, 
according  to  their  longitudes  and  Latitudes^  taken  with  re- 
spect to  the  equator.  This  led  Hipparchus,  afterwardsj 
by  an  easy  transition  of  thought,  to  divide  the  cartii  by 
lines  of  latitude  and  longitude,  in  the  same  manner  as  'I'i- 
mocharis  and  Aristillus  had  the  heavens,  lienci.,  uth 
great  justice,  he  is  universally  allowed  to  have  fixcci  le 
first  solid  foundation  of  Geography,  by  uniting  it  to  As- 
tronomy, and  so  rendering  its  principles  solf-tvident  and 
invariable.  This  most  illustrious  astronomer  flpuiisiicd 
between  i6vO  and  125  years  before  Chi-ist. 

The  celebrated  Eratosthenes,  authou  of  the  Armitla' 
ry  S/iherej  who  first  deterinhied  wiili  exactness,  the  cir- 
cumference of  the  earth,  by  nieabUiing  a  degree  of  the 
•meridian,  and  discovering  tlie  true  distance  of  t!ic  sun  and 
moon  ftom  the  earth,  flourished  100  years  before  Hippar- 
chus.  In  a  valuable  map,  wiiich  he  constructed,  he  first 
introduced  a  regular  ^mrallel  of  latitude. 

Among  the  Romans,  Julius  Caesar,  by  his  reforma- 
tion of  the  Roman  Calendar,  and  by  his  knowledge  of  the 
principles  of  As.rouomy,  contributed  more  than  any  oth- 
er person  of  tluu  nation,  to  the  advancement  of  Astronomy. 

The  last  illustrious  Astronomer  and  Geographer  uf  the 
Alexandrian  school,  was  Ptolemy,  born  at  Ptolemais,  iit 
]:lgypt.  He  flourished  uiuler  Adrian  and  the  Antonines. 
He  supposed  the  cart!-,  to  be  in  tiie  centre  of  the  system, 
Mid  the  heavenly  bodies  to  move  r(;und  it. 

In  respect  to  Maps,  those  on  record  before  the  time  of 
Hi}\fiarchuH^  except  the  single  map  of  /:ra/?).vMi?ncs, before 
mentioned,  wcic  little  mote  than  rude  otitlines  and  topo- 
grap'.iical  sketches  of  difi'ercnl  countiies. 

The  earliest  maps  were  those  of  6V«o,<t/m,  an  Egyptian 
king,  who,  having  traversal  a  great  nait  of  the  earth,  re- 
corded his  marches  in  maps,  and  ga^'c  copies  of  them,  not 


t  ELEMENTS  OV  GEOGRAPHY. 


'  ft 


only  to  the  Egyptians,  but  to  the  Scythians,  to  their  gf  eit 
astonishment. 

The  first  Grecian  map,  was  that  of  Anaximander,  sup- 
posed to  have  been  a  general  map  of  the  then  known 
world,  and  styled  by  Hipparchus,  the  ancient  map. 

Aristagoras,  of  Miletus,  constructed  a  map  of  thfc 
Mediterranean  sea,  and  its  coasts,  and  more  particularly 
of  the  lesser  Asiay  extending  to  the  middle  of  Persia.  It 
contained  one  straight  line  called  the  Royal  Highway^ 
taking  in  all  the  stations  or  places  of  encampment,  1 1 1  in 
number,  from  Sardis  to  Susa,  a  distance  of  1635  miles  ;  so 
that  it  was  little  more  than  anjtinerary  or  a  sort  oi  directo- 
ry to  armies  and  travellers.  These  itinerary  maps  were 
indispensable  in  all  armies  ;  and  from  those  which  Alex- 
ander caused  to  be  made,  with  great  care,  for  the  use  of 
his  army  in  their  various  and  extensive  marches,  the  sci- 
ence of  Geography  received  most  important  advantages, 
rikI  from  this  period,  assumed  anew  face  and  form. 

War,  in  ancitni  times,  Was  made  subservient  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  geogl^aphical  knowledge.  Every  new  war 
produced  a  iieiv  survey  and  itinerary  of  the  countiies, 
which  were  the  scenes  of  action.  The  Romans,  some 
time  before  the  Christian  era,  became  the  conguirors,  and 
consequently  the  surveyors,  of  a  great  part  of  the  then  in- 
habited woild.  Materials  for  G^ograpliy  were  accurriu- 
lated  by  every  addilional  conquest.  Julius  Caesar  order- 
ed a  general  survey  to  be  viade  of  all  the  Jioman  ILmJiire^ 
by  a  decree  of  the  senate  ;  the  surveyors  are  said  to  have 
been  men  of  great  wisdom,  and  instructed  in  every  branch 
of  phih^sopiiy. 

The  Romar  empire  had  been  enlarged  lo  its  greatest 
extent,  and  all  its  piovinces  well  known  and  surveyed, 
when  Ptoiemy,  in  tin;  days  of  Antoninus  Puis,  t.bout  150 
years  befoi  e  Christ,  composed  his  system  of  Gt  o«  i  uj.liy  ; 
v«l;i(h,  thou,^li  full  of  mistakes  and  errors,  aiibii: .-  necjs- 
sarilj  from  tl;e  inrancy  of  the  science  and  the  ignorance  of 
tlic  age  in  which  he  lived,  coutinued  to  be  the  only  book 
of  note  and  aulhorify  on  ihio  science,  till  the  brgiiiniiig  of 
the  17th  century.  For  v/hcn  science  began  to  revive  in 
Europe, after llie  Rf-J-.nnati'juhy  Lu''  mku  ai.d  CALViN,a!id 
the  inveiition  of  printing  by  Dr  Paust,  in  14  44,  it  was 
some  time  before  the  asirenon^' ;  s  oi  iliat  age  were  able  to 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  13 

obtalit  copies  of  Ptolemy's  Geography  ;  and  even  then,  it 
was  with  difficulty  they  could  read  and  clear  his  manu- 
scripts of  some  of  their  grossest  errors.  It  required  a 
still  longer  time  before  they  could  construct  proper  instru- 
ments for  determining,  with  accuracy,  the  latitudes  and 
longitudes  of  places. 

It  was  not  till  Copernicus,  Tycho  Brahe,  of  Den- 
mark, born  in  1546,  Kepler,  of  Germany,  born  in  1571, 
Gallilho,  of  Italy,  born  in  1564,  Descartes,  of  France, 
born  in  1596,  Cassini  of  Nice,  Flamstead,  Halley,  and 
Sir  Isaac  Newton,  of  England,  had  enlightened  the  world 
with  their  discoveries,  that  Astronomy  and  Geography- 
were  placed  on  their  true  foundation,  and  reduced  to  a 
folerable  degree  of  consistency  and  accuracy. 

THE  SOLAR  SYSTEM. 

The  stpposition  of  a  certain  disposition  of  the  heavenly- 
bodies,  and  the  planetary  orbits,  is  called  a  Systetn  of  the 
World.  The  true  System,  or  disposition  of  the  planets,  is 
called  the  Solar  System.  It  is  also  called  the  Copernican 
System,  from  Copernictis,  a  Prussian.  Several  other  sys- 
tems, as  the  Ptolemaic.,  and  Tychonic^  have,  at  different  times, 
been  promulgated  to  the  world ;  but  are  now  universally- 
exploded.  The, true  solar  system  was  taught  by  Pythag- 
oras, 500  years  ^before  Christ  ;  but  the  knowledge  of  it 
was  nearly  lost,  when  Copernicus  revived  it,  in  15.'^0. 

This  system  supposes  the  sun  to  be  in  the  centre,  and 
the  well  known  planets  to  revolve  round  him  in  the  follow- 
ing order  :  Mercury,  Venus,  Earthy  Mars,  Jupiter,  Saturn, 
Herschel. 

The  two  first  of  these  are  called  inferior  planets,  because 
they  are  nearer  to  the  common  centre  of  gravity  of  the  svs- 
lem,  than  the  earth,  or  are  below  the  earth,  with  respect't© 
that  centre  ;  the  other  four  are  called  superior,  because, 
with  respect  to  said  centre,  they  are  above  the  earth.  Also 
the  inferior  planets  are  called  interior,  because  their  orbits 
are  within  that  of  the  eartJi  ;  and  tl:e  superior  are  called 
exterior,  because  their  orbits  are  without  the  same. 

.  These  seven  are  called  primary  planets,  to  distinguish  thesj 
from  a  numbeV  ef  othtr   bodies;,  called  secondary  planets* 
B 


14  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

moonSi  or  satellites,  which  revolve  about  their  respective  pri- 
maries, and  also  accompany  them  in  their  revolutions  about 
the  sun. 

The  Orlit  of  a  planet  is  that  path  vphich  it  describes  in 
moving  round  the  sun.  The  planetary  orbits  are  not  per- 
fectly circular,  but  elliptical  or  ovals  so  that  all  the  planets 
sometimes  approach  nearer  to,  and  at  other  times  recede 
farther  from  the  sun,  than  if  they  moved  round  him  ki 
perfect  circles.  This  deviation  from  a  circle  is  called  the 
eccentricity  of  the  orlit. 

The  planets  are  retained  in  their  orbits  by  the  attraction 
of  the  sun  ;  and  at  the  same  time,  are  kept  from  approach- 
ing him,  by  a  constant  tendency  to  fly  off  from  him  in 
straight  lines.  This  attractive  power  is  called  the  centripe- 
tal force  ;  and  that  which  impels  them  forward  in  straight 
lines,  the  centrifugal  force. 

A  body  is  said  to  be  in  conjunction  with  the  sun  when  it 
is  seen  in  the  same  point  of  the  heavens  ;  and  in  opposition, 
when  it  is  1 80  degrees  distant :  or,  in  other  words,  when  it 
is  in  that  part  of  the  heavens  directly  opposite  to  the  *un. 

The  SUN  is  the  most  glorious  luminary  ofthe  heavens, 
and  the  fountain  of  light  and  heat  to  the  planets.  It  is  sup- 
posed to  be  an  immense  globe  of  fire,  whose  diameter  is 
883,246  miles,  and  whose  body  is  more  than  1,380,000 
times  larger  than  the  'earth.  It  has  bee^j  discovered  that 
the  sun  has  a  revolution  on  its  axis  once  in  25  days,  14 
hoursj  8  minutes. 

MERCURY  is  the  nearest  planet  to  the  san,  and  re- 
volves round  it  in  87  days,  23  hours,  at  the  mean  distance 
of  36,.'383,835  miles.  Its  diameter  is  3224.  miles.  It 
moves  in  its  orbit  at  the  rate  of  111,000  miles  in  an  hour. 
Its  magnitude  is  about  one  twenty-seventh  part  of  that  of 
our  earth.  When  visible  to  the  naked  eye,  this  planet 
emits  a  very  clear,  white  light ;  but  from  its  nearness  to  the 
sun,  it  is  seldom  seen,  and  then  only  for  a  short  time. 

VENUS,  the  next  planet  in  the  system,  is  placed  at  the 
mean  distance  of  68,368,000  miles  from  the  sun's  centre. 
Its  diameter  is  7687  miles,  and  its  magnitude  about 
nine  tenths  of  that  of  the  earth.  Moving  at  the  rate  of 
81,000  miles  an  hour,  its  annual  circuit  round  the  sun  is 
performed  in  224  days/  17  hours. 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  15 

When  Venus  appears  west  of  the  sun,  it  rises  before  it, 
and  is  denominated  the  morning  star  ;  when  it  appears  east 
from  the  sun,  it  is  seen  above  the  horizon  after  sunset,  and 
is  then  called  the  evening  star* 

The  EARTH  is  the  third  planet  in  the  solar  system. 
Its  distance  from  the  sun  is  about  94-,507,4'28  miles  ;  its 
diameter  TDiS,  and  its  circumference  25,000  miles.  The 
Earth,  as  well  as  all  the  other  planets,  has  two  motions  ; 
one  round  its  axis,  in  24;  hours,  from  west  to  east,  which 
causes  an  a//arc'n/ motion  of  the  heavenly  bodies  from  east 
to  west,  and  a  continual  succession  of  day  and  night.  This 
is  called  its  diurnal  motion  ;  and  by  this,  the  inhabitants  on 
the  equator  are  carried  1043  miles  every  hour.  The  other 
is  its  annual  revolution  round  the  sun,  which  is  performed 
in  one  year,  fer  365  days,  .0  hours,  4-8  minutes,  48  seconds. 
In  its  annual  course,  the  earth  moves  at  the  rate  of  75,222 
miles  an  hour  ;  which  motion  causes  the  difference  in  the 
length  of  the  days  and  nights,  and  the  agreeable  succession 
of  the  seasons. 

The  Earth  has  one  satellite,  the  Moon,  which  revolves 
in  an  elliptical  orbit  round  the  earth,  at  the  mean  distance 
of  239,029  miles  from  the  earth's  centre.  The  Moon 
has  also  a  rotation  on  its  axis,  the  time  of  which  is  equal  to 
the  time  of  its  Evolution  round  the  earth,  that  is,  27  days, 
7  hours,  43  minutes.  The  time  of  its  synodic  revolution,  or 
that  which  elapses  between  two  successive  changes,  is  30 
days,  12  hours,  44  minutes.  The  diameter  of  the  Moon  is 
2180  miles. 

The  Moon  is  an  opaque  body,  like  all  the  planets,  and 
shines  only  by  reflecting  the  light  of  the  sun.  Hence  the 
incessant  variation  of  its  appearance  ;  for,  when  it  is  in 
conjunction  with  the  sun,  its  whole  surface  turned  toward  the 
Earth  being  dark,  it  is  invisible  to  us  ;  and  this  is  called 
the  new  moon.  As  it  advances  forward,  we  see  its  enlight- 
ened side,  like  a  radiant  crescent,  which  increases  morf  and 
more  to  our  view,  till  it  is  in  opposition  to  the  sun.  Its 
whole  enlightened  side  being  then  turned  toward  the  earth, 
it  appears  as  a  round  illuminated  orb,  which  is  called  the 
full  moon.  From  the  full  moon  it  appears  to  decrease 
gradually,  till  its  next  conjunction  v/ith  the  sun,  whea  \\ 
disappears,  as  before. 


16  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

MARS,  the  next  planet  above  the  orbit  of  the  earth,  is 
144,000,000  miles  distant  from  the  sun.  It  appears  of  a 
fiery  reddish  hue,  and  is  supposed  to  be  encompassed  with  a 
thick  cloudy  atmosphere.  Its  diameter  is  about  4, 1 89  miles, 
and  its  magnitude,  as  7  to  24  to  that  of  the  earth.  It 
moves  round  the  sun  with  a  velocity  of  50,000  miles  ap. 
hour,  apd  completes  its  year  in  687  days,  of  our  time  ; 
vhich  makes  only  6'67|  of  its  own  days,  its  diurnal  notation 
being  performed  in  24  hours,  40  minutes.  To  a  spectator 
^n  this  planet,  Mercury  would  be  seldom,  if  ever,  visible  } 
Venus  would  appear  about  the  same  distance  from  the  sun, 
as  Mercury  does  to  us  ;  our  earth  would  appear  about  the 
size  of  Venus ;  and  would  be,  as  Venus  is  to  us,  alteroate- 
ly  a  morning  and  an  evening  star. 

JUPITER,  the  largest  of  all  the  planets,  is  the  next  in 
order,  and  is  491,702,^01  miles  from  the  sun.  Its  diame- 
ter is  about  89,170  miles  ;  and  its  magnitude  nearly  J400 
limes  greater  than  that  of  our  earth.  It  completes  its  an- 
nual revouuion  in  4322  days  of  our  time.  Its  rotation  a- 
bout  its  axis  is  j;erformed  in  9  hours,  5.5  minutes,  so  that  its 
year  consists  of  1]  years  315  days  of  our  time;  and  the 
inhabitants  on  its  equator  are  carried  30,000  miles  an  hour, 
besides  their  motion  round  the  «un. 

Jupiter  is  surrounded  by  faint  substances,  called  Belfs, 
in  which  £0  many  variations  appear,  that  they  are  general- 
ly ascribed  to  clouds.  This  planet  has  also  four  Moons,  or 
SateU'tifs,  revolving  round  it  at  various  distances  and  peri- 
ods These  satellites  must  afford  a  pleasing  spectacle  to 
the  inhabitants  of  Jupiter  ;  they  sometimes  rise  altogether, 
and  at  other  times  are  altogether  on  the  meridian,  ranged 
under  jDnc  another.  That  which  is  most  distant  from  the 
planet  will  appear  as  large  as  our  moon  does  to  us ;  and 
from  the  various  revolutions  of  the  four,  they  produce  four 
different  kinds  of  months. 

SASTURN  is  still  higher  than  Jupiter,  and,  until  the 
year  17BI,  w-as  supposed  to  be  the  most  remote  planet  in 
cur  system.  This  planet  is  placed  at  the  distance  ©f 
901,668,908  miles  from  the  sun's  centre;  and  travelling 
ii2,100  miles  an  hour,  finishes  its  annual  circuit  in  10,759 
Uays  of  our  time.     Its  diameter  is  79,042  miles  j  and,  con- 


ELEMENTS  Of  GEOCJRAPHV.  If 

^fequently,  this  planet  is  near  1000  times  as  large  as  that 
which  we  inhabit. 

Saturn  is  surrounded  by  a  thin  broad  Ring,  calculated  to 
be  21,000  miles  in  breadth,  and  about  that  distance  from 
its  body  on  one  side.  This  ring  appears  like  a  luminous 
arch  in  the  heavens.  Dr.  Herschel  lately  discovered  that 
it  has  a  rotation  on  its  axis,  the  time  of  which  is  about  10 
hours,  32  minutes; 

Besides  the  light  which  Saturn  receives  from  the  sun,  and 
the  reflection  of  the  ring,  it  has  the  light  of  seven  Satellites  /- 
which  revolv^e  round  it,  at  diflFerent  distances. 

HERSCHEL.  On  the  evening  of  the  30th  of  March, 
1781,  Dr.  Herschel  discovered  in  the  vast  regions  of  space, 
and  far  beyond  the  orbit  of  Saturn,  a  planet,  revolving  a- 
bout  the  sun,  which  had  probably  never  before  been  seen 
by  mortal  eyes.  On  account  of  its  immense  distance,  it  is 
but  just  visible  to  the  naked  eye.  It  is  computed  to  be 
l,803,534-,392  miles  from  the  sun  ;  and  although  it  travels^ 
^at  Che  rate  of  15,000  miles  an  hour,  it  takes  up  83  years, 
150  days,  18  hours,  of  our  time,  to  complete  its  annual 
revolution.  Its  diameter  is  35,112- miles  ;  consequentlyj  ■ 
it  is  about  90  times  larger  than  our  earth.  It  has  a  rota- 
tion on  its  axis,  the  time  of  which  is  not  known. 

In  England,  this  planet  has  been  called  Georgium 
SiDtrs,  in  honor  of  the  king  in  whose  reign  it  was  discov- 
ered ;  but  in  the  rest  of  Europe,  Uranius,  and  in  Americaj 
it  is  more  jnstly  denominated  Herschel,  in  honor  of  its 
learned  discoverer. 

Six  satellites  have  been  discovered,  revolving  about  Her- 
schel ;  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  there  are  others,  which 
have  not  yet  been  observed. 

Besides  the  seven   tuell  knoivn  planets,   above  described, 

since  the  commencement  oi"  the  present  century, ybwr  others 

have   been  discovered,  denominated  Asteroids  ;  two  by  M« 

Pioxzi  and  Dr.  Gibers,  named  CERES   and  PALLAS  j 

one  by  Mr.  Harding,  near  Bremen,  which  he  called  .lUNO  ; 

the  other  by  Olbers,  named  VESTA.     The  orbits  of  the 

two  former  are  between   those  of  Mars  and  Jupiter,  and 

their  annual  revolutions  about  the  sun  are  performed  in  a. 

bout  4  years,  7  months,  and  10  days.     Juno  is  represented 

as  similar  to   Ceres  in  height  and  apparent  ma€;jiitudei 
B2-  fe  -  i> 


18  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

The  periodical  revolution  of  Vesta  is  3  years,  2  months^ 
and  5  days,  and  its  distance  from  the  sun  206,596,000 
miles.  These  late  discoveries  indicate  that  there  are  probably 
other  planets  belonging  to  the  Solar  System,  which  have 
yet  escaped  the  most  discerning  eyes  of  Astronomers. 


COJJI^TS. 

Beside  the  planets,  there  are  other  bodies  belonging  to- 
the  solar  system,  v^^hich  have  more  irregular  motionsr 
These  are  the  Comets,  which,  descending  from  the  far  distant 
parts  of  the  system,  with  inconceivable  velocity,  appear  te 
us  sometimes  bright  and  round,  like  the  planet  Jupiter  ; 
sometimes  with  a  transparent,  fiery  tail,  projecting  from 
the  part  opposite  to  the  sun  ;  'and  sometimes  emitting, 
beams  on  all  sides  like  hair.  They  approach  much  nearer 
to  the  sun  than  any  of  the  planets ;  and  after  a  short  stay, 
fly  off  again  with  equal  rapidity,  and  disappear.  Their  or- 
bits are  more  elliptical  than  those  of  the  planets,  and  their 
bodies  of  much  greater  density  than  the  earth  ;  for  some 
of  them  are  heated  to  sucl>  a  degree  as  would  vitrify  or 
dissipate  any  substance  known  to  us.  Sir  Isaac  Newton 
computed  the  heat  of  the  comet,  which  appeared  in  1680, 
when  nearest  the  sun,  to  be  2000  times  greater  than  that  of 
red  hot  iron. 

The  number,  magnitudes,  and  motions  of  the  comets,  be- 
longing to  our  system,  are  very  imperfectly  known.  Con- 
jecture has  limited  them  to  450.  The  elements  of  97  have 
been  imperfectly  determined.  The  periods  of  only  three 
have  been  ascertained.  They  are  found  to  return  at  inter- 
vals of  75,  129,  and  575  years. 


THE  FIXED  STARS 

Are  those  heavenly  bodies,  \  hich,  at  all  times,  preserve 
the  same  situation  with  regard  to  each  other.  Though 
they  form  no  part  of  the  solar  system,  yet  they  must  be 
considered  here,  as  they  are  of  great  use  in  the  practice  of 
geography.      To  facilitate  their  computations,  astrono- 


£LEMEHTS  OF  GEOGRAI>HY.  W 

mefs  consider  these  stars  as  all  equally  distant  from  our 
sun,  and  forming  the  concave  surface  of  a  sphere  inclosing^ 
our  system.  They  are  distinguished  from  the  planets  by 
their  twinkling. 

A  number  of  stars,  which  appear  to  lie  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  each  other,  are  called  a  Constellation.  These  are  90 
in  number,  and  are  called  by  the  name  of  some  animal,  or 
other  object,  whose  figure  the  outline  of  the  constellation 
is  supposed  to  represent.  Some  stars  are  not  included  in 
any-  of  the  constellations,  and  are  denominated  unformed 
stars. 

According  to  their  diflferent  apparent  magnitudes,  they 
are  called  stars  of  ihejirjtf  second,  third,  fourth,  fifth,  or  sixth 
magnitudes. 

Tiie  Galaxy,  or  Milky  Way,  is  a  broad  circle,  encom* 
passing  the  heavens,  which  appears  to  consist  of  innumera- 
ble stars,  forming  one  continued  dense  cluster,  and  by  theif 
blended  rays,  diffusing  a  whiteness  over  that  part  of  the 
firmament. 

The  number  of  stars  is  unknown  ;  La  Land  estimates 
them  at  75,000,000  ;  but  this  is  supposed  to  fall  far  short 
cf  their  real  number  ;  and  we  have  reason  to  suppose,  that 
those  which  are  visible  bear  no  comparison  in  number  ta 
those  that  are  invisible.  They  increase  in  our  view,  as  the 
telescope  approximates  to  perfection. 

With  respect  to  the  distances  of  the  fixed  stars,  they  are 
so  extremely  remote,  that  nothing  in  the  planetary  system 
can  compare  with  them.  Though  the  diameter  of  the 
earth's  orbit  be  not  less  than  190,000,000  ©f  miles  ;  yet 
this  immense  space  makes  not  the  smallest  difference  in 
their  appearance  ;  for  they  seem  to  be  as  large,  when  view- 
ed from  the  farthest,  as  from  the  nearest  point  of  the  earth's 
orbit.  Their  distance  is  too  great  for  human  beings  to 
conceive,  and  gives  rise  to  the  pleasing  and  sublime  con- 
jecture, that  each  of  the  fixed  stars  is  a  sun,  illuminating 
a  complete  system  of  planets,  which  i  evolve  about  it  as 
their  centre. 

An  Eclipse  is  a  total  or  partial  privation  of  the 
the  sun  or  moon. 


n  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAMV. 

An  eclipse  of  the  moon  is  caused  by  its  entering  Into 
the  earth's  shadow  ;  and  consequently,  it  must  happen  at 
the/ul/  moon,  or  when  it  is  opposite  to  the  sun. 

An  eclipse  of  the  sun  is  caused  by  the  interposition  of 
the  m.oon  between  the  earth  and  sun,  and,  of  course,  must 
happen  when  the  moon  is  in  conjunction  with  the  sun,  or 
at  the  ne'u/  moon. 

The  diameters  of  the  sun  and  itioon  are  supposed  to  be 
divided  into  12  equal  parts,  called  digits  ;'  and  an  eclipse  is 
said  to  be  so  many  digits,  according  to  the  number  of 
those  parts  which  are  involved  in  the  greatest  darkness* 


DOCTRINE  OF  THE  SPHERE. 
Principles. 

The  fundaiftental  principles  of  Geography  are,  the  spher= 
''*'^i<ral  figure  of  the  earth  ;  its  rotation  on  its  axis  ;  the  posi- 
tion  of  its  axis,  with  regard  to- the  celestial  luminaries  j  and 
its  revolution  round  the  sun. 

That  the  figure  of  the  earth  is  spherical,  is  evident.  3. 
Because  such  a  figure  is  best  adapted  to  motion.  2.  From 
analogy  i  all  the  other  planets  are  spherieal.  3.  From 
t4ie  a  ppearance  of  its  shadow,  in  eclipses  of  the  moonj 
■which  is  always  circular.  4.  From  its  having  been  several 
times  circumnavigated.  It  is  not,  however,  a  perfect 
sphere,  but  an  oblate  spheroldy  depressed  or  flattened  at  the 
poles,  and  elevated  at  the  equator.  Its  diameter  from 
east  to  west,  is  reckoned  to  be  about  34  miles  longer  than 
that  from  north  to  south; 

DiriNlTlONS. 

A  5/i/r^  literally  signifies  a  ball  or  globe.  The  appar^ 
ffnt  concave  orb,  which  invests  the  earth,  and  in  which  all 
the  heavenly  bodies  appear  to  be  situated,  at  equal  distances 
from  the  eye,  is  calledah^  C^eUstial  Sp^re. 

In  Geography,  the^rcles  which  the  sun  appears  to 
•kscribe  on  the  coccave  surface  of  the  celestial  sphere,  are 


ELEMENTS  Q^ GEOGRAPHY. 


31 


sapposed  to  be  extended  t^^the  earth,  and  marked  on  its 
surface.  Each  circle  is  divTded  into  S60  equal  parts,  call- 
ed degreft ;  each  degree  is  decided  into  60  minutes t  and  eack 
minute  into  60  secondi. 

The  circles,  supposed  by  geographers  to  be  described  on 
the  sphere,  are  denominated  great  and  small  circles.  GyecU 
circles  divide  either  the  celestial  or  terrestrial,  sphere,  into 
two  equal  parts.  Small  circles  divide  the  sphere  into  two 
unequal  parts. 

An  imaginary  line  passing  through  the  centre  of  the 
earth,  from  north  to  south,  and  on  which  its  diurnal  rota- 
tion is  performed,  is  called  the  Axis  of  the  earth.  The  ei» 
treme  points  of  the  axis  are  called  rfie  Poles. 

A  line  or  circle,  passing  round  the  middle  of  the  earth, 
irom  west  to  east,  is  called  the  Equator,  or  Equinox'tal. 
The  equator  divides  the  earth  into  Northern  and  Southern^ 
Hemispheres. 

The  Meridian  is  a  circle,  cutting  the  equator  at  right  an- 
gles and  passing  through  thd  poles  of  the  earth.  The  me- 
ridian divides  the  earth  into  Eastern  and  Western  Hemispheres. 
The  Ecliptic  is  a  great  circle,  in  the  plane  of  which  the  eanh 
performs  her  annual  revolution  round  the  sun  ;  or  in  which 
^he  sun  appears   to  move  round  tlie  earth,  once  in  a  year. 

The  Ecliptic  is  divided  mto  12  equal  parts,  of  30degree$ 
each,  called  Signs.  The-names  of  these  signs,  the  charac- 
ters which  distinguish  them,  and  the  months  in  which 
the  sun  enters  into  them,  are  as  follows,  vi/,. 


Unun  names  of 
the  Signs. 

1  Aries 

2  ,Taurus 

3  Gemini 

4  Cancer 

5  Leo 

6  Virgo 

7  Libra 

8  Scorpio 

9  Sagittarius 

10  Capricornus 

11  Aquarius 

12  Pieces' 


English  names. 

The  Ram 
The  Bull 
The  Twins 
The  Crab 
The  Lion 
The  Virgin 
The  Scales 
The  Scorpion 
The  Archer 
The  Goat 
The  VVate;  Bearer 
The  Fiihea 


Charac- 

Months in  which  the 

ters. 

sun  enters  them. 

nr 

March 

« 

April 

n 

May 

a 

June 

25 

July 

^ 

August 

^ 

September 

^h 

October 

t 

November 

Vf 

December 

rer  :^ 

January 

K 

Februarv 

22  ELEMENTS  01«^E0GRAPHY. 

The  ecliptic  makes  an  ang|«|f  23'^  28'  with  the  equator, 
and  intersects  it  in  the  two  pqpts  <v»  and  ^,  called  the  JSqui- 
noxia/ points,  because,  when  |he  sun  is  in  either  of  these 
points,  he  shines  equally  to  bmh  poles,  and  the  day  is  then 
equal  to  the  night  in  all  parts  of  the  world.  The  times 
when  the  sun  passes  these  points,  are  the  20th  of  March 
and  20th  of  September  ^  the  former  is  called  the  Vernal, 
and  the  latter  the  AuiumnaU  equinox. 

The  points  ss  and  Vf,  where  the  ecliptic  is  at  the  great- 
est distance  from  the  equator,  are  called  the  SoUtUial  points. 
The  sun  passes  the  first  of  these,  called  the  Summer  Solstice^ 
on  the  21st  of  June,  which  is  the  longest  day  ;  the  other, 
called  the  Winter  Solstice,  on  the  21st  of  December,  which  is 
the  shortest  day. 

The  Horizon  is  a  circle  which  separates  the  visible  from 
the  invisible  part  of  the  heavens.  The  circle,  which  limits 
our  prospect,  where  the  sky  and  land,  or  water,  seem  to 
meet,  is  called  the  Sensible  Horizon.  The  Rational  or  Real 
Horizon  is  a  circle  parallel  thereto,  whose  plane  passes 
through  the  centre  of  the  earth,  and  divides  it  into  Upper 
and  Loiver  Hemispheres. 

The  Horizon  is  divided  into  32  equal  parts  of  11*  15' 
each,  called  tlie  Points  of  the  Oempass. 

The  four  quartering  points.  East,  West,  North,  and 
South,   are  called  the  Cardinal  Points. 

The  point  of  the  heavens  directly  over  our  head,  is  call- 
ed the  Zenith  ;  and  the  opposite  point,  or  that  directly  un- 
der our  feet  is  called  the  Nadir. 

The  two  meridians,  that  pass  through  the  four  cardinal 
points  and  cut  each  other  at  right  angles,  in  the  poles,  ar€ 
called  Colures.  Tliat,  which  passes  thfough  the  first  de- 
grees of  fy  and  ^  is  called  the  Equtnoxial  Colure  ;  and  tkat, 
which  passes  through  the  first  degrees  of  25  and  y,  \i  call- 
ed the  Solstitial  Colure.  % 

Circles  drawn  parallel  to  the  equator,  at  the  distance  of 
8°  on  each  side  of  it,  include  the  space  called  the  Zodiac, 
which  comprehends  within  it  the  orbits  of  all  the  planets. 

The  Tropics  are  two  circles  drawn  parallel  to  the  equator, 
at  the  distance  of  23''  28'  on  each  side  of  it.  That  on  the 
north  side  touches  the  ecliptic  in  the  sign  25,  and  is  called 
the  Tropic  of  Cancer ;  that  on  the  south  side  touches  the  e- 
pliptic   ia  the  sign  ^  and  is  called  the  Tropic  of  Capricarru 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  ^3 

Circles  at  the  distance  of  23°  28'  from  the  poles,  are  call- 
ed the  Polar  Circles.  The  northern  is  denominated  the  Arctic 
Circle,  and  the  southern,  the  Aniarctic  Circle. 

The  Tropics  and  Polar  Circles  divide  the  earth  into  Zones^ 
That  part  of  the  earth's  surface,  lying  between  the  Tropics, 
is  called  the  Torrid  or  Burning  Zone;  the  parts  between  the 
Tropics  and  Polar  Circles,  are  called  the  Temperate  Zones-; 
and  those  parts,  which  lie  beyond  the  Polar  Circles,  are 
denominated  the  Frigid  or  Frozen  Zones. 

A  Climate  is  a  tract  of  the  earth's  surface,  included  be- 
tween the  equator  and  a  parallel  of  |^atitude,  or  between  two 
parallels  of  such  a  breadth,  as  that  the  length  of  the  day  in 
one  shall  be  half  an  hour  longer  than  in  the  other.  Within 
the  polar  circles,  however,  the  breadth  of  a  climate  is  such, 
that  the  length  of  a  day,  or  the  time  of  the  sun's  continuance 
above  the  horizon,  is  a  month  longer  in  one  parallel,  than 
in  another.  The  breadth  of  the  climates  continually  de- 
crease, as  they  approach  the  poles  ;  the  first  climate,  reck- 
oning from  the  equator,  being  about  8  degrees  broad,  while 
that  which  is  nearest  the  poles,  is  scarcely  four  miles. 

The  w^ord  ClimHte  is  also  used  to  denote  the  diiFerence  in 
the  temperature  of  the  air,  in  different  places. 

The  Latitude  of  a  place  is  its  distance  from  the  equator, 
reckoned  in  degrees,  north  or  south.  If  a  place  be  situated 
between  the  Equator  and  the  North  Pole,  it  is  said  tQibe  in 
mrlh  latitude  j  if  it  lie  between  the  Equator  and  the  South 
Pole,  it  is  in  south  latitude. 

The  Longitude  of  a  place  is  Its  distance,  east  or  west^ 
from  some  fixed  meridian,  measured  on  the  equator. 

Oa  the  equator,  a  degree  of  longitude  is  equal  to  60 
geographical  miles  ;  and  consequently,  a  minute  on  the 
equator  is  equal  to  a  mile.  But  as  all  meridians  cut  the 
equator  at  right  angles,  and  approach  nearer  and  nearer  to 
eaoi  other,  till  they  cross  at  the  poles  ;  it  is  obvious,  that 
the  degrees  of  longitude  will  continually  decrease,  as  they 
proceed  from  the  equator  to  either  pole ;  so  that  in  the 
60th  degree  of  latitude,  a  degree  of  longitude  is  but  30 
miles,  or  half  as  long  as  a  degree  on  the  equator. 

THE  GLOBES. 

The  Globes  are  two  spherical  bodies,  whose  convex  sur- 
faees  arejfl||^sed  to  give  a  true  representation   of  tli? 


H  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHT. 

earth  and  heavens,  as  visible  by  observation.  One  of  these 
is  called  the  Terrestrial^  the  other  the  Celesttal globe.  Oft  the 
convex  surface  of  the  Terrestrial  globe,  all  the  parts  of  the 
earth  and  sea  are  delineated  in  their  relative  form,  size, 
and  situation. 

On  the  surface  of  the  Celestial  Globe,  the  images  of  the 
several  constellations,  and  the  unformed  stars  are  delineat- 
ed ;  and  the  relative  magnitude  and  position,  which  the 
stars  are  observed  to  have  in  the  heavens,  carefully  pre>. 
served. 

In  order  to  render  these  globular  bodies  more  useful,  they 
are  fitted  up  with  certain  appurtenances,  whereby  a  great 
variety  of  useful  problems  are  solved  in  a  very  easy  and 
expeditious  manner. 

The  Brazen  Meridian  is  that  ring  or  hoop  in  which  the 
globe  hangs  on  its  axis,  which  is  repiesented  by  two  wires 
passwg  through  the  poles.  This  circle  is  divided  into  four 
quarters,  of  90  degrees  each  ;  in  one  semicircle,  the  divis- 
ions begin  at  each  pole,  and  end  at  90  degrees  where  they 
meet.  In  the  other  semicircle,  the  divisions  begin  at  the 
middle,  and  proceed  thence  towards  each  pole,  where  there 
are  90  degrees.  The  graduated  side  of  this  brazen  circle 
serves  as  a  meridian  for  any  point  on  the  surface  of  the 
earth,  the  globe  being  turned  about  till  that  point  comes 
unde^r  the  circle. 

The  Hour  Circle  is  a  small  circle  ef  brass,  divided  into 
twenty-four  hours,  the  quarters  and  half  quarters.  It  is 
fixed  to  the  brazen  meridian,  with  its  centre  over  the  north 
pole  ;  to  the  axis  is  fixed  an  index,  that  points  out  the  di- 
visions of  the  hour  circle,  as  the  globe  is  turned  round  on 
its  axis. 

The  Horizon  is  represented  by  tlie  Upper  surface  of  the 
wooden  circular  frame,  encompassing  the  globe  about,  its 
middle.  On  this  wooden  frame  is  a  kind  of  perpetual  cal- 
endar, contained  in  several  concentric  circles  ;  the  inner 
one  is  divided  into  four  quarters  of  90  degrees  each  ;  the 
next  circle  is  divided  into  the  twelve  months,  with  the  days 
in  each,  according  to  the  new  style  ;  the  next  contains  the 
twelve  equal  signs  of  the  ecliptic,  each  being  divided  into 
thirty  degrees  f  the  next,  the  twelve  months  and  days,  ac- 
cording to  the  old  style  ;  and  there  is  another,  circle,  con- 
tRining  the  t^irtj-two  points  of  the  tomp»ss>  witli  tneir 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  .^5 

halves  and  quarters.  Although  these  circles  are  on  all  ho- 
rizons yet  they  were  not  always  placed  in  the  same  order. 
.The  Quadrant  cf  Altitude  is  a  thin  slip  of  brass,  one  edge  of 
which  is  graduated  into  90  degrees  and  their  quarters,  e- 
qual  to  those  in  the  meridian.  To  one  end  of  this  is  fixed 
a  brass  nut  and  screw,  by  which  it  is  put  on  and  fastened  to 
the  meridian  ;  if  it  be  fixed  in  the  zenith  or  pole  of  the  ho- 
rizon, then  the  graduated  edge  represents  a  \ertical  circle, 
passing  through  any  point. 

Besides  these,  there  are  several  circles  described  on  the 
surface  of  botli  globes.  Such  as  the  equinoxial,  or  eclip- 
tic, circles  of  longitude  and  right  ascension,  the  tropics,  po- 
lar circles,  parallels  of  latitude  and  declination,  on  the  ce- 
lestial globe  ;  and  on  the  terrestrial,  the  equator,  the  eclip- 
tic, tropics,  polar  circles,  parallels  of  latitude,  hour  circles, 
or  meridians,  to  every  fifteen  degrees  ;  and  on  some  globes, 
the  spiral  rhumbs,  flowing  from  the  several  centres,  called 
flies. 

In  using  the  globes,  keep  the  east  side  of  the  horizon  to- 
wards you,  unless  the  problem  require  the  turning  it,  which 
side  you  may  know  by  the  word  East,  on  the  horizon  ;  for 
then  you  have  the  graduated  meridian  towards  you,  the 
quadrant  of  altitude  before  you,  and  the  globe  divided  ex- 
actly into  two  equal  parts,  by  the  graduated  side  of  the 
meridian. 

The  following  problems,  as  being  most  useful  and  en- 
tertaining, aie  selected  from  a  grpat  variety  of  others,  which 
are  easily  solved  with  a  globe,  fitted  up  with  the  afore- 
mentioned appurtenances. 


I.     The  latitude  cf  a  place  being  givetty  to  rectify  the  globe  for 
thai  place. 

Let  it  be  required  to  rectify  the  globe  for  the  latitude 
of  Boston,  42  degrees  23  minutes  north. 

Elevate  the  north  pole,  till  the  horizon  cuts  the  brazen 
meridian  in  42°  23',  and  the  pole  is  then  rectified  for  the 
latitude  of  Boston.  Bring  Boston  to  the  meridian,  and 
you  will  find  it  in  the  zenith,  or  directly  on  the  top  of  the 
globe.  And  so  for  any  other, place. 
C    . 


26  E1.EMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

II.  To  Jind  the  latitude  and  longitude  of  any  place  on  the  ter- 
'  restrial  globe. 

Bring  the  given  place  under  that  side  of  the  graduated 
brazen  meridian  where  the  degrees  begin  at  the  equator, 
then  the  degree  of  the  meridian  over  it  shows  the  latitude, 
and  the  degree  of  the  equator,  under  the  meridian,  diows 
the  longitude. 

Thus  Boston  will  £e  found  to  lie  in^^42°  2-3'  north  lati- 
tude, and  70°  .58'  west  longitude  from  London,  or  3°  !(/ 
east  longitude  from  Philadelphia. 

III.  To  Jind  any  place  on  the  glole,  whose  latitude  and  longitude 

are  given. 
Bring  the  given  longitude,  found  on  the  equator,  to  the 
meridian,  and  under  the  given  latitude,  found  on  the  me- 
lidian,  is  tiie  place  sought. 

IV.  To  Jind  the  distance  and  bearing  oj  any  ttvo  given  places,  en 

the  glole. 
Lay  the  graduated  edge  of  the  quadrant  of  altitude  o- 
ver  both  places,  the  beginning,  or  0  degrees,  being  on  one 
of  tliem,  and  the  degrees  between  them  show  their  distance  ; 
these  degrees,  multiplied  by  60,  give  the  distance  in  En- 
glish miles  nearly. 

V.  To  find  the  sun's  place  in  the  ecliptic. 
Look  at  the  day  of  the  month  in  the  outer  calendar  upon 
the  horizon,  (if  the  globe  was  made  before  the  alteration 
of  the  style)  and  opposite  to  it  you  will  find  the  sign  and 
degree  the  sun  Is  in  that  Jay,  Thus  on  the  25th  of  March, 
the  sun's  place  is  44  degrees  in  Aries.  Then  look  for  that 
sign  and  degree  in  the  ecliptic  line,  marked  on  the  globe, 
and  you  will  find  the  sun's  place  ;  there  fix  on  a  small 
black  patch,  so  it  is  prepared  for  the  solution  of  the  follow- 
ing problems. 

VI.  To  find  the  sun's  declination,  that  is,  his  distance  Jrcn  the 
equinoxial  line,  either  northward  or  southtvard. 
Bring  his  place  to  the  meridian,  observe  what  degree 
<jf  the  meridiap  lies  over  it,  and  that  is  his  declination.  If 
the  sun  lies  on  the  north  side  of  the  line,  he  is  said  to  have 
north  declination^  but  if  on  the  south  side,  he  has  south  decline- 
ften. 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.     i>Y 

Note.  The  greatest  declination  can  never  be  more  than 
23°  28'  either  north  or  south  ;  that  bemg  tlie  distance  of 
tke  tropics  from  the  equinoxial,  beyond  which  the  iun 
never  goes. 

VII.  To  /i.'iJ  tvhere  thz  sun  h  vertical  on  any  day  ;    that   is,  fo 
find  over  whose  heads  the  sun  ilhU  pass  that  day. 

Bring  the  sun's  place  to  the  meridian,  observe  his  decli- 
nation, or  hold  a  pen  or  wire  over  it,  then  turn  llie  globe 
.  round,  and  aii  those  countries  which  pass  under  the  wire, 
will  have  the  sun  over  their  heads  that  day  at  noon. 

Note.  This  appearance  can  only  happen  to  those  who 
live  in  the  torrid  zoncy  because  the  sun  never  gees  fartlier 
from  the  equinoxial,  northward  or  southward,  tlian  the 
two  tropics,  from  whence  he  turns  again. 

VIII.  To  find  over  'whose  heads  the  sun  is,  at  any  hour,  or  at 

.  ivhat  place  the  sun  Is  vertical. 

Bring  the  place  where  you  are,  (suppose  at  Boston,)  to 
the  meridian  ;  set  the  index  to  the  given  hour  by  your 
watch  ;  then  turn  the  globe  till  the  index  points  to  the 
upper  12,  or  noon  ;  look  under  the  degree  of  declination  for 
that  day,  and  you  will  find  the  place  to  which  the  sun  is 
vertical,  or  over  whose  heads  it  is  at  that  time. 

IX.  To  findf  at  any  hour  of  the  day,  ivhai  o'clock  it  is   at  any 

place  in  the  world. 

Bring  the  place  where  you  are  to  the  brass  meridian  ; 
set  the  index  to  the  hour  by  the  watch,  turn  tire  globe  till 
llie  place  you  are  looking  for  come  under  the  meridian, 
aid  the  index  will  point  out  the  time  required. 

X.  To  find  at  what  hour  the  sun   rises  and  sets  any  day  in  the 

year  ;    and  also  upon  'what  point  of  the  compass. 

Rectify  the  globe  for  the  latitude  of  the  placevou  are  in  ; 
bring  the  sun's  place  to  the  meridian,  and  setmie  index  to 
12  ;  then  turn  the  sun's  place  to  the  eastern  edge  of  the 
horizon,  and  the  index  will  point  out  the  hour  of  rising  ; 
:f  you  bring  it  to  the  western  edge  of  the  horizon,  the  in^ 
dex  will  show  the  hour  of  setting. 


28  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

XI.  Tajind  the  length  of  the  day  and  night  at  any  time  0/  f/je 

year. 

Double  the  time  of  the  sun's  rising  that  dav,  and  it  gives 
the  length  of  the  night ;  double  the  time  of  its  setting,  and 
it  gives  the  length  of  the  day. 

XII.  To  f.nd  the  length  of  the  longest  or  shortest  day^  at  any 

.     place  upon  the  earth. 

Rectify  the  globe  for  that  place  ;  if  its  latitude  be  north, 
bring  the  beginning  of  Cancer  to  the  meridian  ;  set  the  in- 
dex to  twelve,  then  bring  tiie  same  degree  of  Cancer  to  the 
east  part  of  the  horizon,  and  the  index  will  show  the  time 
of  the  sun's  rising. 

If  the  same  degree  be  brought  to  the  western  side,  the 
index  will  show  the  time  of  his  setting,  which  doubled  (as 
in  the  ]ast  problem)  will  give  the  length  of  the  longest  day 
and  shortest  night. 

If  v.-e  bring  the  beginning  of  Capricorn  to  the  meridian, 
and  proceed  in  all  respects  as  before,  we  shall  have,  the 
length  of  the  longest  night  and  shortest  day. 

Thus,  in  the  Great  MoguFs  dominions,  the  longest  day  is 
14-  hours  and  the  shortest  night  10  hours.  The  shortest 
day  is  10  hours,  and  the  longest  night  14  hours. 

At  Petersburghs  tlie  capital  of  the  Russian  empire,  the 
longest  day  is  about  lyg-  hours,  and  the  shortest  night  ^\ 
hours.  The,  shortest  day  4^  hours,  and  the  longest  night 
lOj  hours, 

Note.  In  all  places  near  the  equator,  the  sun  rises  and 
cets  at  six  o'clock  all  the  year.  From  thence  to  the 
polar  circles^  the  days  increase  as  the  i.ttitude  increases  ;  so 
that  at  those  circles  themselves,  tlie  longest  day  is  24  hours 
and  the  longest  night  just  the  same.  From  ihe  polar  circles 
to  the  poles,  the  days  continue  to  lengthen  into  weeks  and 
months  ;  so  that  at  the  very  poles,  the  sun  shines  for  six 
months  t(|iBther  in  sumtner,  and  is  absent  from  it  six  months 
in  iv'inSer — Note,  also,  that  when  it  is  summer  with  the  north- 
itn  inhabitants,  it  is  tvljiter  with  the  southern,  and  the  con- 
trary ;  and  every  part  of  the  world  partakes  of  nearly  an 
equal  share  of  light  and  darkness. 


ELEMENTS  OF  GfeO'GRAPHy.  S9 

XIII.     To  find  all  those  Inhabitants  to  ivhom  the  sun  is  this  mo- 
ment rising  or  setting;,  in  their  meridians,  or  midnignt. 

Find  the  sun's  place  in  the  ecliptic,  and  raise  the  pole  a» 
much  above  the  horizon  as  the  sun,  that  day  declines  from 
the  equator  ;  then  bring  the  place  where  the  sun  is  verli- 
cal  at  that  hqpr,  to  the  brass  meridian  ;  so  will  it  then  be 
in  the  zenith,  or  centre  of  the  horizon.  Now  see  what 
countries  lie  on  the  western  edgQ  of  the  horizon,  for  to 
them  the  sun  is  rising  ;  to  those  on  the  eastern  side  he  is  set- 
ting ;  to  those  under  the  upper  part  of  tlie  meridian,  it  is  noon- 
day ;  and  to  those  under  the  lower  part  of  it,  it  is  midnight. 

Thus,  on  the  10th  of  April  at  four  o\lock  in  the  morn- 
ing, at  Charlestown,  (Mass.) 
It  is  son-rise  at  Brazil,  South-America, 

("New  Guinea,  the  Japan 
Sun-setting  at  |  j^j^^  ^^^  Kamtschatka, 

Mid-day,  or  noon,  at  Persia andNova-Zembla. 

r  The  Bay  of  Good  Hope, 
Midnight  at  <      in  the  vicinity  of  King 

(.     George's  Sound. 

MAPS. 

A  Map  Is  a  representation  of  the  earth's  surface,  or  some 

part  of  it,  delineated  on  a  plane,  accordiag  to  the  laws  of 

■  perspective,   and  contains  such   circles,  br  parts  of  circles, 

as  the  size  and  situation  of  the  phsce  delineated  will  admit. 

The  top  of  a  map  represents  the  north,  the  bottom,  the 
south  !  the  right  hand  side,  the  east,  and  the  left  hand, 
the  west.  F?«m  the  top  to  the  bottom,  are  drawn  merid- 
ians or  lines  of  longitude :  and  from  side  to  side,  paral- 
lels of  latitude.  The  outermost  of  the  meridians  and  par- 
allels are  marked  with  degrees,  by  means  of  which,  and  a 
scale  of  miles  usually  placed  in  the  corner  of  a  map,  the 
situations  and  distances  of  places  may  be  found,  as  on  the 
artificial  globe 

Rivers  are  d<?5cribed  in  maps  by  black  lines,  and  are 
wider  tovv-ard  the  mouth,  than  toward  the  head  or  spring. 
Mountains  are  represented  as  on  a  picture,  by  a  scrl  of 
cloud  ;  forests  and  woods,  by  a  kind  of  ihrub  ;  bogs  and 
morasses,  by  shades  ;  sands  and  shallows^  by  small  dots  ; 
C  2 


30  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

roads,  usually  by  double  lines  ;  and  towns,  by  an  0  or  a 
small  house.  Near  harbors,  the  depth  of  water  is  some- 
limes  expressed  by  figures,  representing  fathoms. 

NATURAL  DIVISIONS  OF. THE  EARTH'S 
SilRFACE. 

The  first  grand  division  of  the  earth  is  into  Land  and 
Water. 

Dlvtsctis  of  Land.  A  great  extent  of  land,  not  entirely 
separated  by  watef,  is  called  a  Continent, 

There  are  commonly  reckoned  tzvo  ContinentSj  called  the 
Eastern,  comprehending  Asia,  Europe  and  Africa  ;  and  the 
Western^  including  North  and  South  America.  New-Hol- 
land has  sometimes  been  dignified  with  the  name  of  con- 
tinen'  ;  but  is  usually  classed  by  gj^i^graphers  among  the 
islands  of  the  Pacific  ocean.  .  v^' 

A  tract  of  land,  entirely  surrounded  by  water,  Is  an  Isl- 
and. Tracts  of  land,  almost  encircled  by  water,  as  Bos- 
ton, are  Peninsulas.  Necks  of  land,  which  join  peninsu- 
las'to  a  main  land,  are  Isthmuses?. 

Land  projecting  far  into  the  sea  is  a  Promontorv. 
The  end  or  point  of  a  promontory  is  a  Cape. 

When  land  rises  to  a  very  great  height  above  the  level' 
country,  it  is  a  Mountain.  When  this  high  land  extends 
unevenly  to  a  great  length,  it  is  called  a  chain  or  range  cf 
Mountains.  When  a  mountain  emits  flam.es  and  sulphur, 
&c.  it  is  a  Volcano.  The  side  of  a  steep  mountain  is  a 
Precipice. 

When  land  rises  to  a  small  height  it  is  called  a  Hill. 
The  spaces  between  hills  are  called  Dales  ;  and  very  of- 
ten, and  perhaps  commonly  in  America,  Vales,  or  Val- 
leys. 

Divisions  uf  Water.  The  waters,  that  cover  so  great  a 
portion  of  the  surface  of  the  globe,  are  collectively  called 
the  Ocean,  and  sometimes  the  Sea. 

Different  and  extensive  portions  of  these  great  waters 
have  obtained  the  name  of  Ocean Sf    These  are  the  ^t- 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  3i 

Itfntic,  the  Indian,  the  Pacific,  the  Southern  and  the  Arctic  or 
Frc%en  Ocean,  The  two  tormer  are  each  3000  miles  across  ; 
the  Pacific  10,000.  The  extent  of  the  others  is  not  known.' 
Large  collections  of  water  that  are  nearly  enclosed  by- 
land  are  called  Seas  ;  and  smaller  collections  of  this  kind 
are  called  Sounds,  Bays,  or  Gulfs  ;  as  tlie  Mediterranean 
Sea,  Long  Island  Sound,  Chesapeak  Bay,  the  Guif  of  Mexico. 

A  narrow  communication  between  a  sea  or  bay,  and  the 
ocean,  or  between  two  seas  or  lakes,  is  a  Strait,  Mouth, 
Entrancej  or  Inlet. 

,A  great  body  of  fresh  water,  surrounded  by  land,  or 
communicating-  with  tlie  ocean  only  by  a  long  liver,  is 
called  a  Lake^  Smaller  collections  of  fresh  water  are  call- 
ed Ponds. 

The  fountains  of  water  at  the  heads  of  rivers,  brooks,  or 
rivulets,  and  from  which  wells  are  supplied,  are  called 
Springs.  WTien  the  fountains  are  warmer  than  usual, 
or  are  impregnated  with  fixed  air,  salts,  sulphur,  metals, 
and  other  mineral  substances,  they  are  called  Medicinal, 
or  Mineral  Springs. 

Streams  or  bodies  of  running  water,  according  to  their 
magnitude  are  called  Rivers,  Brooks,  or  Rivulets. 
Creeks  are  narrow  branches  of  the  ocean,  indenting  and 
sometimes  insulating  the  sea  coast.  Some  branches  of 
rivers  are  sometimes  called  Creeks.  When  a  large  bo- 
dy of  water  tumbles  over  a  precipice,  it  is  called  a  Cata- 
ract or  Falls,  as  the  Falls  of  Niagara,  if  the  quantity 
of  water  be  small,  it  is  a  Cascahe. 

Standing  water,  in  which  earth,  with  grass  or  shrubs 
upon  it,  appears  in  different  parts  ; — and  low,  sunken 
grounds,  full  of  trees  and  mire,  are  called  Morasses, 
Bogs,  Fens,  but  more  commonly,  among   us.   Swamps. 

COMPONENT  PARTS  OF  THE  EARTH. 

The  Earth  is  composed  of  land  and  water,  and  is  there- 
fore called  terraqueous,  it  is  ascertained,  from  recent  dis- 
coveries, that  the  waters  contained  in  the  concavities  of' 
the  globe,  cover  at  least  two  thirds  of  its  surface. 


32  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

The  earth  below  its  surface  is  composed  of  various  sub- 
stances, collectively  called  Fossils.^ 

All  substances  dug  out  of  mines  of  whatever  kind  such 
as  metals,  coal,  sulphur,  ochre,  &c.  are  called  Minerals. 

Such  of  the  minej-als  as  can  be  malleated  or  beaten  out 
with  a  hammer,  are  called  Metals.  These  are  common- 
ly  reckoned  seven  in  number  which  are  reckoned  according 
to  their  weight  in  the  following  order  : — 1.  Plailna,  a  white 
metal,  newly  discovered  in  the  gold  mines  of  South-Amer- 
ica, in  many  of  its  properties  resembling  gold.  2.  Gold. 
S.  Lead.  4.  Silver.  5.  Copper.  6.  Iron.  7-  Tin.  To 
these  should  be  added  Quicksilver.  Three  of  these,  Plati- 
na.  Gold,  and  Silver,  (of  which  Platina  is  much  the  heavi- 
est) are  called  perfect  melals,  because  they  remain  longest 
imchanged  by  fire.  The  other  four  are  called  imperfect  met- 
als, because  they  may  be  destroyed,  or  changed  into  earth 
by  fire.  By  a  chymical  operation  on  Iron,  Steel  is  produc- 
ed. A  mixture  of  Tin  and  Lead,  in  certain  portions,, 
forms  the  compound  called  Pewter. 

The  best  chymists  divide  bodies,  or  the  objects  of  chym- 
istry,  into  saltSy  earths,  inflammable  substances^  metals  and  iva- 
ters.  The  effects  of  heat  and  mixture  on  these  bodies  con- 
stitute what  is  called  The  Science  of  Chymistry. 

VOLCANOES. 

Volcanoes  are  burning  mountains,  which  include  in 
xh&\\  bowels  sulphur,  bitumen,  and  other  combustible  mat- 
ters, the  effect  of  which,  when  kindled  into  a  flame,  is  more 
violent  than  that  of  gunpov/der,  or  any  thing  yet  known 
in  nature.  As  the  explosive  force  of  gunpowder  arises 
from  the  conversion  of  water  into  air,  that  which  takes 
place  in  volcanoes  is  undoubtedly  from  the  same  cause. 
Volcanoes  may  be  compared  to  huge  cannon.  From  their 
mouths,  some  of  which  are  a  mile  and  a  half  wide,  are 
vomited  forth  dreadful  volumes  of  smoke  and  flame;  tor- 
rents of  bitumen,  sulphur,  and  melted  metals  ;  clouds  of 
cinders  and  stones  ;  and  sometimes  rocks  of  enormous  bulk 
are  thrown  to  a  great  distance.  In  the  great  eruption  ot 
Mount  Vesuvius,  in  1779,  a  stream  of  Lava*  of  an  im- 

»  Lava  is  the  melted  matter,  which  issues  from  Volcanoes. 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  33 

mense  magnitude,  is  said  to  have  been  thrown  to  the  height 
of  at  least  10,000  feet  above  the  top  of  the  mountain. 
The  quantity  of  iava  thrown  out  sometimes  is  so  great  as 
to  enter  cities,  forests,  and  the  ocean,  in  large  rivers.  Fields 
have  been  covered  with  it,  100  and  even  200  feet  in  thick- 
ness. The  force  of  the  explosion  has  been  so  great  as  to 
shake  the  earth,  agitate  the  sea,  and  even  mountains,  and 
overthrow  the  most  solid  edifices. 

There  are  three  noted  volcanoes,  viz.  Mount  Hecla,  in 
Iceland  ;  Mount  Etna,  in  Sicily  ;  Mount  Vesuvius,  in 
Naples.  Tliere  are  many  others  of  less  note  in  Asia,  Af- 
rica, and  America. 


EARTHQUAKES. 

There  are  two  kinds  of  Earthquakes  ;  one  is  caused 
bjr  the  action  of  subterraneous  fires,  and  the  explosion  of 
volcanoes,  which  are  felt  only  at  small  distances,  and  at 
the  time  when  volcanoes  act,  or  just  before  they  open. 
The  other  is  supposed  to  be  produced  by  immense  quan- 
tities of  inflammable  air,  contained  and  compressed  in  the 
caverns  and  crevices  of  the  earth,  which  being  greatly 
rariSed  by  internal  fires,  and  finding  no  outlet,  forces  a 
passage  through  all  obrtructions. 

Earthquakes  are  usually  preceded  by  a  general  stillness 
in  the  air  ;  the  sea  swells  ;ind  makes  a  great  noise  ;  the 
fountains  are  troubled  and  send  foitl)  muddy  water  ;  the 
birds  seem  frightened,  as  if  sensible  of  the  approaching  ca- 
lamity. 

Tb.e  shock  comes  on  witli  a  rumbling  noise,  like  that  of 
carriages  ou  frozen  ground,  or  thunder  ;  the  ground  heaves 
and  rolls  or  rocks  from  side  to  side.  I'iie  shocks  are  of- 
ten repeated,  and  succeed  each  other,  at  short  uitervals, 
for  a  considerable  length  of  time.  Awiul  chasms  are 
sometimes  made  during  the  shocks,  from  which  issue  wa- 
ter, and  in  seme  instances  flames.  Whole  cities  have  been 
swailov/ed  up  in  these  chasms,  and  thousands  of  people  in' 
them, 

Hi'.tory  affnrds  innumerable  instances  of  the  dreadful 
and  various  effects  of  earthquakes. 


^*     ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY: 


MAGNETISM. 

The  earth  contains  a  mineral  substance,  which  attracts 
iron,  steel,  and  all  ferruginous  substances  ^  which  is  called 
Natural  Magnet  or  Load-stone.  The  same  substance  has  the 
power  of  communicating  its  properties  to  all  ferruginous 
bodies  :  those  bodies,  after  having  acquired  the  magnetic 
properties,  are  called  Artificial  Magnets. 

It  is  well  icnown,  by  long  experience,  that  a  piece  of 
wire,  or  a  needle,  rendered  magnetic,  and  accurately  bal- 
anced on  a  pivot,  or  centre,  will  setde  in  a  certain  direc- 
tion, either  duly,  or  nearly,  north  and  south.  This  direc- 
tive power  of  the  magnet,  is  its  most  v.'onderful  and  use- 
ful property.  J3y  it,  mariners  are  enabled  to  conduct  their 
vessels  through  vast  oceans,  in  any  given  direction  ;  mi- 
ners are  guided  in  their  works  below  the  surface  of  the 
earth  ;  and  travellers  conducted  through  deserts,  other- 
wise impassable.  i^ 

The  usual  method  is  to  have  an  artificial  magnet  sus- 
pended, so  as  to  move  freely,  which  will  always  place  it- 
self in  or  near  the  plane  of  the  meridian,  north  and  south  ; 
then,  by  looking  on  the  direction  of  the  magnet,  the  course 
is  to  be  directed,  so  as  to  make  any  required  angle  »vvith 
it.  An  artificial  steel  magnet,  fitted  for  this  purpose  in  a 
proper  box,  is  CAWed.  the  Mariner  r  ^Compasst  or  simply  ^^^ 
C3mpa:s<,  and  is  so  well  known,  as  to  S0!^^  rio  particular 
description. 

There  is  sometimes  a  variation  in  the  direction  of  the 
magnetic  needle,  which  differs  in  degree  at  different  pla- 
ces aad  times. 

.      GRAVITATION. 

The  attraction  of  Gravity  or  Gravitation,  called  also  the 
centripetal  force,  is  that  pioperty  and  power,  by  which  distant 
bodies  tend  towards  one  another.  This  is  the  universal 
principle  of  nature,  from  which  all  motion  arises.  By  this 
principle,  stones  fall,  and  all  bodies,  on  whatever  side  of 
the  earth,  are  kepr,  on  its  surface  :  by  this,  the  moon  pre- 
serves her  proper  distance,  and  statedly  performs  her  rer- 
oluti.on  round  the  earth,  the  other  satellites  attend  thcrr 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  S5 

Tespeciive  planets,  aii  the  planets,  and  comets  are  retained 
in  their  orbits.  Hence  it  appears,  that  doivn'ward  is  a  term 
which  has  respect  efiti rely  to  the  cenire  of  the  system,  or 
body  to  which  it  is  apph'ed  ;  or  in  other  words,  to  move 
downwards  is  to  approach  toward  the  centre  of  a  body,  or 
system  ;  and  to  move  upward  is  to  recede  from  the  said 
centre.  Thus,  the  centre  of  the  sun  is  the  lowest  point  in 
the  solar  system,  toward  which  every  object  in  the  system 
is  attracted.  With  respect  to  the  earth,  the  lowest  point 
is  its  centre,  and  every  object  belonging  to  that  planet,  on 
whatever  side,  tends  toward  it.  It  is  consequently  erro- 
neous and  improper  to  suppose  that  people  on  the  side  of 
the  earth  opposite  to  us,  walk  with  their  heads  downward, 
or  are  in  danger  of  falling  from  its  surface. 

TIDES. 

The  regular  ebbings  and  flowlngs  of  the  sea,  twice  ev- 
ery day,  are  called  Tic/es.  They  are  caused  by  the  attrac- 
tion of  the  sun  and  moon,  but  principally  that  of  the  lat- 
ter ;  the  power  of  the  moon,  in  this  case,  being  to  that  of 
the  sun  as  5  to  1 . 

The  earth,  by  its  daily  rotation  about  its  axis,  presents 
■each  f>art  of  its  surface  to  the  direct  action  of  the  moon 
twice  each  day,  and  thus  produces  two  floods  and  two 
ebbs.  BiTt  because  the  moon  is,  in  the  mean  time,  passing 
from  west  to  ea'jjtjn  its  orbit,  it  arrives  at  the  meridian  of 
any  place,  later  flyigHi^  did  the  preceding  day  ;  whence 
the  tv/o  floods  and  ebbs  require  nearly  2.5  hours  to  com- 
plete them.  The  tide  is  highest  about  three  hours  after 
the  moon  has  passed  the  meridian  ;  for  though  the  force 
be  greater  at  that  time,  yet  the  greatest  eifect  cannot  ap- 
pear on  the  water  till  sometime  afterward. 

When  the  moon  is  in  conjunction  or  opposition  with  the 
sun,  they  both  tend  to  raise  the  water  in  the  same  place. 
The  tides  are  then  highest,  and  are  called  sj)nt?^  tides. 
When  the  sun  and  moon  are  OC^  from  each  other,  the 
sun  depresses  those  parts  which  the  irocn  raises.  They 
are  then  lower  than  ordinary,  and  are  called  neap  ticks. 
Hence  the  highest  lides  happen  at  the  time  of  rew  and 
full  moon,  and  the  lowest  when  the  mooa  is  at  her  first 
and  third  quarters. 


i6  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

The  motion  and  height  of  the  tl(^,  as  they  pass  over 
shoals,  and  run  through  straits  and  inlets,  become  more 
various.  The  Mediterranean  and  BdJfeic  seas  have  very 
small  tides,  because  the  inlets  by  which  they  communi- 
cate with  the  ocean  are  so  narrow,  that  they  cannot  in  so 
short  time,  receive  or  discharge  so  much,  as  sensibly  to 
raise  or  depress  their  surfaces.  In  the  bay  of  Fundy,  be- 
tween Nova- Scotia  and  the  United  States,  the  tides  rise  to 
the  height  of  60  feet,  and  flow  so  rapidly  as  to  overtake 
animals  feeding  on  the  shore.  There  are  no  tides  in  Jakes, 
they  being  in  general  so  small,  that  the  moon  attracts  ev- 
ery part  of  them  equally,  and  therefore  no  part  of  the  wa^ 
ter  is  raised  above  the  other. 

THE  ATMOSPHERE. 

The  Atmosphere^  or  Alt;  is  a  fine,  invisible,  and  elastic, 
fluid,  surrounding  the  eartli-  and  extending  some  miles 
from  its  surface.  Without  this  element,  no  animal  or  veg- 
etable could  exist  ;  there  could  be  neither  rain  nor  dews, 
to  moisten  the  earth  ;  and  though  the  heavenly  bodies 
might  be  visible,  as  bright  specks,  yet  we  should  have  nei- 
ther day-light  nor  twilight,  but  utter  darkness.  Air  is  al- 
»y,  so  the  vehicle  of  sound  ;  without  it  we  should  not  be  able 
^     to  converse  with  each  other,  nor  even  to  breathe. 

By  its  gravity,  air  is  capable  of  supporting  ail  lighter 
bodies  ;  as  smoke,  vapors,  odors,  &c. 

-  -  il*f  ■ 

WINDS.       ' 

When  the  air  is  heated,  it  becomes  rarer,  and  therefore 
ascends,  and  the  surrounding  cold  air,  rushing  in  to  supply 
its  place,  forrris  a  current  in  some  one  direction.  A  cur- 
rent of  air^  thus  put  in  motion,  is  called  Wind- 

Constant,  or  General  Winds,  are  such  as  blow  always  in 
the  same  direction.  These  prevail  in  the  Atlantic  and 
Pacific  oceans,  between  the  latitudes  of  about  28°  north 
and  south,  and  blow  constantly  from  northeast  and  south- 
east toward  the  equator.  These  are  also  called  Tropical 
or  Genera!  Trade  Winds. 

Periodical  Winds  are  those,  which  blow  in  certain  direc- 
tions, during  certain  periods  of  time.     In  some  parts  the 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  S7 

Indian  ocean,  the  wind  blows  six  months  in  one  direction, 
and  then  six  months  in  the  opposite  direction.  The  chang- 
es happen  about  the  time  of  the  equinoxes  and  are  at- 
tended with  dreadful  storms  of  thunder  and  lightning. 
These  are  called  Monsoons,  or  Shifting  Trade  Winds.  In  the 
West-Indies,  the  winds  blow  from  the  land  in  the  night, 
and  from  the  sea  during  the  day,  changingtheir  direction 
every  twelve  hours.    These  are  called  Zan/  ^ViiZea  Bree'z.es. 

Variable  Winds  are  those,  which  are  subject  to  no  regu- 
larity of  duration  or  change. 

The  constant  and  periodical  w'inds  blow  only  at  sea  ;  on 
land  the  wind  is  always  'variable. 

Many  parts  of  the  world,  and  the  West-Indies  in  par- 
ticular, are  frequently  visited  by  Hurricanes.  They  are 
sudden  and  violent  storms  of  wind,  rain,  thunder  and 
lightning,  attended  with  great  swelling  of  the  sea,  and 
sometin:es  with  earthquakes.  There  are  signs  by  which 
the  inhabitants  are  warned  of  their  approach.  Some  tim» 
before  they  come  on,  the  sky  is  troubled  ;  the  sun  more 
red  than  usual  ;  there  is  a  dead  calm  below  ;  zrtd  the  tops 
of  the  mountains  are  free  from  the  mists  which  usually 
hover  about  them.  In  the  caverns  of  the  earth,  and  in 
wells,  a  hollow  rumbling  noise  is  heard,  like  the  rushing 
of  a  great  wind.  At  night,  the  stars  seem  much  larger 
than  common  ;  the  northwest  sky  has  a  black  and  me- 
nacing appearance  ;  the  sea  emits  a  strong  smell,  and 
r:£es  into  va-t  waves,  often  without  any  wind.  These 
terrible  storms  happen  principally  in  the  month  of  Au- 
gust ;  destroying  all  the  produce  of  the  ground  ;  tearing 
up  trees  ;  ovei  turning  buildings  ;  and  inundatbg  large 
tracts  of  land. 

The  deserts  of  Africa  and  Arabia  give  a  burning  heat 
and  blasting  quality  to  the  air  pat,£!ng  over  them.  Al 
Goree,  on  the  river  Senegal,  there  is  an  easterly  wind 
from  tl;e  inland  parts,  with  which  thnie,  v.ho  are  suddenly 
met  by  it  in  tlie  face,  are  scorched,  as  by  a  blast  from  a 
{"urnace. 

At  the  F.)lLlcind  I.slanc?  an  cxtraordir.nry  blasting  wind 
i.-;  tcit,  bi:t  iis  duration  is  scldc^m  rr:ore  than  twcnty-four 
lionrs.  it  cuts  down  the  hoiLago,  as  if  fires  Iiad  been 
made  under  them  ;  tl:e  leaves  are  parched  ^p  snd  crun- 
b!e  into  dust  ;  fowl;;;:;;  scizvr!  \.:ui  cran-p-,  r.nd  n  -vfj 
D 


3S  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

recover  ;  men  are  oppressed  with  a  stopped  perspiration* 
heaviness  at  the  breast,  and  sore  throat,  but  recover  with 
proper  care. 

T^e  most  dreadful  winds,  peihaps,  are  those  in  the 
deserts  near  Bagdad,  called  Samoul,  or  Mortifying  Winds. 
The  camels  perceive  their  approach,  and  are  said  to  make 
an  unusual  noise,  and  cover  their  noses  in  the  sand.  To 
escape  their  effects,  travellers  throw  themselves  as  close' 
on  the  ground  as  possible,  and  wait  till  the  winds  have 
passed  over,  which  is  commonly  in  a  few  minutes.  Thus 
some  escape  ;  but  those  who  die,  have  their  limbs  mor- 
tified. 

In  Italy,  a  wind  blows,  for  several  days,  called  Siroceo, 
which  is  fatal  to  vegetation,  and  destructive  to  the  inhab- 
itants ;  depressing  their  spirits,  and  suspending  the  pow« 
ors  of  digestion,  so  that  those  who  venture  to  eat  a  heavy 
supper,  while  this  wind  prevails,  are  frequently  found 
dead  the  next  morning.  It  is  felt  with  peculiar  violence 
at  Palermo.    ' 

In  the  deserts  of  Africa,  there  are  prodigious  pillars  of 
sand,  which  move  with  great  velocity.  Mr,  Bruce  saw 
several  of  these  at  once,  some  of  which  appeared  to  hi  ten 
feet  in  diameter.  They  began  immediately  after  the  ris- 
ing of  the  Gun,  and  his  rays  shining  through  them,  gave 
them  the  appearance  of  pillars  of  iire. 

There  is  a  phenomenon,  called  the  IVaier-Spout,  hanging 
under  a  deep  cloud,  in  the  form  of  a  cone,  with  the  vertex 
downward  ;  and  under  it  the  sea  boils  up,  and  rises  in  a 
conical  form  These  cones  sometimes  meet,  and  they  gen- 
erally begin  to  appear  together  :  they  sometimes  move 
for  a  considerable  space  before  they  break.  When  they 
appear  at  sea,  and  approach  a  ship,  it  is  said  the  sailors 
lire  at  them  and  bre;ik  them,  as  it  might  be  dangerous  if 
they  should  meet  with  a  ship  and  break  over  it.  The 
water-spout  is  supposed  to  be  an  electrical  phenomenon. 

A  IVhtrlwlnd  is  a  wind,  wliich  rises  suddenly  ;  it  is  ex- 
tiemely  rapid  and  impetuous,  taking  up  all  light  sub* 
stances  from  the  earth,  which  it  meets  with,  and  carrying 
them  up  in  a  spiral  motion.  Dr.  Franklin  supposes  that 
the  whirUind  and  water-spcut  proceed  from  the  same 
Cause.  They  have  each  a  progrrssive  and  circular  mo- 
tioR  ;    they  usually  rise  after  calms  and  great  heats,,  an<i 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHt.  S9 

most  frequently  happen  in  -ft-arm  latitudes ;  the  wind 
blows,  from  every  way,  towards  both  ;  and  a  water-spout 
has  been  known  to  move  from  the  sea  to  the  land,  and  to 
produce  all  the  effects  of  a  whirlwind.  They  are  both> 
probably,  the  effects  of  the  electrical  fluid. 

VAPORS  AND  CLOUDS. 

Vapors  are  raised  from  the  surface  of  the  moist  eartk 
and  waters,  the  principal  cause  of  which  is,  probably,  the 
heat  of  the  sun  ;  the  evaporation  being  alwa>s  ([Greatest 
when  the  heat  is  greatest.  The  vapors,  thus  raised,  by 
heat,  ascend  into  the  cold  regions  of  the  aL-TiiOsphere,  and 
form  Cloudsy  which  aie  of  the  same  nature  as  dews  and 
fogs  upon  the  earih. 

When  the  water  in  the  air  ceases  to  bo  suspended,  it 
falls  down,  and  the  particles,  uniting  in  falling,  forrn 
drops,  or  Rain.  If  it  be  very  cold  in  those  regio'is  where 
the  rain  begins  to  be  formed,  it  then  descends  in  Snoiv. 
When  the  drops  of  rain  are  formed,  and  are  descending, 
if  in  their  descent  they  pass  through  a  region  of  the  air 
cold  enough  to  freeze  them,  they  descend  in  Hail, 

ELECTRICITY. 

The  earth  and  all  bodies,  with  wlilch  we  are  acquaint- 
ed, are  supposed  to  contain  a  certain  quantity  of  an  ex- 
ceedingly elastic  fluid,  called  the  Electric  Jluid 

Li^hining  is  the  electric  liuid  in  the  atmosphere  ;  dis- 
charging itself,  sometimes  from  one  cloud  to  another,  and 
sometimes  from  the  clouds  to  the  earth.  This  discharge 
occasions  the  awful  roll,  or  sound,  called  Thunder. 

A  machine,  fitted  up  v/ith  certain  appurteiiances,  for 
the  purpose  of  exciting  electric  fluid,  and  making  it  per- 
ceptible to  the  senses,  is  called  an  Electrical  machim.  The 
sudden  discharge  of  the  fluid  contained  in  the  machine, 
gives  a  painful  sensation  to  any  animal  placed  within  the 
circuit  of  its  communication,  called  the  Electrical  Shock. 

That  lightning  and  the  electric  fluid  are  one  and  the 
same  substance,  has  been  proved  by  Dr.  Franklin  and 
others.  Lightning  stiikes  the  highest  and  most  polny^d 
objects  ;  reads  bodies  to  pieces  and  sets  th9in  on  fixe  j  dn- 


40  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

solves  metals  ;  and  destroys  animal  life  ;  in  all  which, 
it  agrees  with  the  phenomena  produced  by  an  electrical 
apparatus. 

Some  fishes  have  the  power  of  giving  shocks,  similar  to 
those  of  artificial  electricity.  The  torpedo,  found  in  the 
rivers  of  South- America,  v/hen  touched  by  the  naked  hand, 
or  any  conductor,  produces  a  strong,  electric  shock.  The 
gymnotus  electricus,  and  some  others,  possess  the  same  power. 

Electricity  has  been  administered  for  various  diseases 
of  the  human  body  }  some  of  which  have  been  relieved, 
and  others  perfectly  cured. 


LIGHT. 

'  JjIGHt  is  that,  which,  proceeding  from  a  certain  body 
to  ihe  eye,  prviduces  the  perception  oi  seeing.  An  exceeding, 
ly  siTiall  portion  of  light,  is  called  a  Ray,  A  larger  body 
of  light  consisting  of  many  parallel  rays,  is  called  a  Beam. 

The  rays  of  light  fly  with  amazing  swiftness,  at  the 
ratCj  it  is  computed,  of  11,875,000  miles  in  a  minute*  or 
more  than  a  million  times  swifter  than  a  cannon  ball, 
v/nich'  is  computed  to  move  8  miles  in  a  minute.  Light 
i'l  found  to  proceed  from  both  animal  and  vegetable  sub- 
stances in  a  putrid  state. 

The  T-zuiligfjl  is  that  faint  light,  which  appears  in  the 
east  in  tlva  morning  before  tlie  sun  rises,  and  gradually 
Tanishes  in  the  west  after  hf  sets. 

The  sun  is  the  original  source  o(  light  to  our  system  ; 
.md  thbucji  it  rise  and  set  all  over  the  earth,  yet  the  cir- 
cumstances attending' its  rising  and  setting  aie  very  differ- 
ent in  diiierent  countries. 

In  the  equatorial  regions,  darkness  comes  on  very  soon 
after  sunset ;  because  the  convexity  of  the  earth  conies 
quickly  between  the  sun  and  the  eye  of  the  observer.  Pro- 
ceeding from  the  equator,  the  tv.'ilight  continues  a  longer 
time  after  sunset  ;  and,  in  4S^°  N.  latitude,  it  continues 
through  the  night  in  the  rr;onth  of  June.  As  we  approach 
the  poles,  the  twilight  becomes  brighter  and  brighter,  till 
at  last  the  sun  does  not  appear  to  touch  the  horizon,  but 
is  seen  above  it  many  days  successively.  On  the  other 
h.ind,  in  Vvinter,  the  sun  sinks  lower  and  lower,  till  it  does 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  4.1 

aot  appear  at  all,  and  there  is  only  a  dim  twilight,  for  an 
hour  or  two,  in  the  middle  of  the  day. 

Nothwithsianding  the  seeming  inequality  in  the  distribu- 
tion of  light  and  darkness,  it  is  certain  that,  throughout 
the  whole  world,  there  is  nearly  an  equal  proportion  of 
light  diffused  on  every  part,  abstracted  from  what  is  ab- 
sorbed by  clouds,  vapors,  and  the  atmosphere  itself.  The 
equatorial  regions  have  indeed  the  most  intense  light  dur- 
ing the  day,  but  the  nights  are  long  and  dark  ;  while,  on 
the  other  hand,  in  the  northerly  and  southerly  parts,  though 
the  sun  shines  less  powerfully,  yet  the  length  of  time  that 
he  appears  above  the  horizon,  with  the  greater  duration  ot 
twilight,  make  up  for  the  seeming  deficiency. 


THE  HARVEST  MOON, 

It  is  a  remarkable  and  Iiighly  beneficial  circumstance, 
that  in  those  countries  which  aie  at  considerable  distsncee 
from  the  equator  and  the  poles,  the  autumnal  full  moons, 
rise  nearly  at  sunset,  from  the  first  to  the  third  quarter  ; 
a  dispensation  singularly  calculated  to  faciiilaie  the  reap- 
ing and  gathering  in  the  fruits  of  the  earth.  This  phe- 
nomenon is  called  the  Harvest  Mocn.  It  is  farther  observ- 
able, that  this  appearance  in  the  autumnal  months  is  pe- 
culiar to  the  full  moon  ;  for  though,  in  every  month,  the 
moon  for  several  successive  days  will  vary  the  time  of  her 
rising  very  little  j  yet  in  the  vernal  months,  ihis  happer.y 
at  the  time  of  the  new  mocn  ;  in  the  winter  months,  abour. 
tlie  time  of  the  first  quarter  ;  and  in  summer,  at  sJie  time 
of  the  last  quarter.  In  the  latitude  of  50°  north,  tlie  lime 
o(  the  moon's  rising  is  observed  to  vary  only  two  hours  in 
six  days. 

NORTHERN  LIGHT. 

The  Aurora  Eorcails,  or  Norihern  Light,  in  many  parts 
of  the  northern  hemisphere,  enables  the  inhabitants  to  pur- 
sue their  occupations  duiing  the  absence  of  the  sun.  No 
satisfactory  conjectuie  has  yet  been  ioiined,  as  to  the  cause 
of  this  phenom.enon.  Some  liave  supposed  it  to  be  elec- 
trical matter,   imbibed  by  the  canh  U0>T1  the  ran,  ;n  vh-e 


U.  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

warm  latitudes,  and  passing  off  through  the  upper  regioQa 
of  the  atmosphere,  to  the  place  whence  it  came. 

These  lights  commonly  appear  at  twilight,  near  the 
liorizon,  of  a  dun  color,  approaching  to  yellow,  and  some- 
times continue  in  that  state  for  several  hours,  without  any 
apparent  motion.  In  the  Shetland  Isles,  and  other  north- 
ern regions,  they  are  the  constant  attendants  of  clear  even- 
ings, and  prove  a  great  relief  amid  the  gloom  of  long  win- 
ter nights  ;  and  are  there  called  Merry  Dancers.  They 
sometimes  break  out  into  streams  of  strong  light,  spread- 
ing into  columns,  and  altering  slowly  into  thousands  of 
different  shapes  varying  their  colours,  from  all  th«  tints  of 
yellow,  to  the  most  obscure  russet.  They  often  cover  the 
whole  hemisphere,  affording  a  most  brilliant  prospect* 
At  other  times,  they  assume  the  color  of  blood,  and  make 
a  very  dreadful  appearance.  They  have  generally  a  quick 
tremulous  motion,  which  continues  till  the  whole  vanishes* 


HEAT  AND  COLD. 

The  presence  of  the  sun  is  one  of  the  principal  sources 
sf  heat,  and  its  absence  the  cause  of  cold.  But,  were  these 
the  only  sonrces  of  heat  and  cold,  there  would  be,  in  the 
iame  p.irallels  of  latitude,  the  same  degree  of  heat  and 
cold,  at  the  same  season  ;  which  is  not  the  fact  ;  for  very 
liot  days  are  frequently  felt  in  the  coldest  climates,  and 
very  cold  weather,  and  even  perpetual  snow,  is  found  in 
eountries  under  the  equator. 

One 'source  is  from  the  earth  ;  probably  arising  from  a 
mass  of  heat  diffused  through  it,  which,  imparted  from  the 
earth  to  the  atmosphere,  tends  greatly  to  moderate  the  se- 
verity of  the  winter's  cold.  It  is  probably  fiom  this  in- 
ternal heat,  that  snow  generally  begins  to  melt  first  at  the 
bottom.  Another  source  of  heat  is  the  condensation  ot 
vapor,  which  warms  the  surrounding  atmosphere.  This 
condensation  is  frequently  formed  by  the  attraction  of  an 
electrical  cloud  :  and  hence  the  great  sultriness  often  ex- 
perienced before  a  storm. 

As  the  earth  is  a  source  of  heat,  so  distance  from  it  is  a 
source  of  cold  ;  and  it  is  found  in  ascending  the  atmos- 
fhere,  Uiat  tiie  cel^i  iji?re^es^    Xhf  tops  ©f  the  highest 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHV.  4« 

mountains,  even  under  the  equator,  are  continually  cover- 
ed with  snow. 

The  same  cause,  which  makes  condensation  a  source  of 
heat,  makes  evaporation  a  source  of  cold  ;  as  it  absorbs 
the  fire  in  tiie  latter  instance,  which  it  gives  out  in  the 
former. 

The  instrument  made  use  of  in  measuring  the  different 
degrees  of  heat  and  cold  in  tl>^  atmosphere,  is  called  a 
Thermometer 

The  action  of  freezing  is  always  instantaneons.  Ice  is 
lighter  than  the  same  buik  of  water,  and  this  is  the  reason 
of  its  floating  upon  the  surface.  Boiled  water  is  more 
easily  frozen,  than  that  which  has  not  been  boiled  ;  ansl 
that  which  is  a  little  agitated,  than  that  which  is  entirely 
at  rest. 

POLITICAL  DIVISONS  OF  THE  EARTH. 

The  habitable  parts  of  the  globe  are  divided  into  wha£ 
are  commonly,  though  very  inaccurately,  called  four. 
QUARTERS,  which,  according  to  their  magnitude,  may  be 
ranked  as  follows  ;  America,  Asia,  Africa,  Europe. 

Of  these  divisions,  Europe  is  tlie  smallest,  but  the  most 
improved  and  civvlizcd  ;  Africa  the  most  barbarous,  and 
the  least  known  ;  Asm  the  wealthiest,  and  the  most  an- 
ciently inhabited  ;  America  the  largest,  the  grandest,  as  to 
its  mountains  and  rivers,  the  least  populous  and  wealthy, 
the  last  explored  and  inhabited. 

Suhdivi:,ions.  Tliese  grand  divisions  of  the  globe,  for  the 
purposes  of  government,  &c.  are  subdivided  into  innume- 
lab'e  districts,  or  portions,  of  various  extent,  and  under  va- 
rious names  ;  as  Empires,  Kingdoms,  RepuUus,  States,  Depart- 
ments, PriMcipalUksf  Dukedoms,  Dutchies,  Counties,  Cities,  I'o-wn- 
ilAps,  Parishes,  &c.  Different  nations  have  different  names 
fur  tliese  divisions,  but  they  mean  much  the  same  tiling. 

Several  coimtrics,  or  principaliiies,  with  diffcient  gov- 
crnments,  confederated  under  one  sovereign  oi  Lead,  is 
called  an  Empire  ;  as  the  German  En;pire,  which  is  com- 
posed of  about  .'WO  principalities  j  and  the  Russian  Em- 
pire, which  includes  many  extensive  countries,  that  are 
divided  into  42  different  govtrnments,  combined  under  "Urt- 
Emperor,  who  i«  the  head  of  the  Empire, 


U  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

The  territories,  subject  to  one  monarch  or  king,  fortrt 
a  Kingdom.  Such  are  Great-Britain,  Spain,  Portugal, 
Sweden,  Denmark,  &c. 

A  number  of  separate  states  having  governors,  consti- 
tutions, and  laws  of  their  own,  confederated  under  one 
general  government  with  an  elective  head,  are  called  a 
Republic.  A  Republic,  according  to  others,  is  a  govern- 
ment in  which  the  executive  power  does  not  lie  in  the 
hands  of  a  single  person.  Such  is  the  government  of  the 
United  States  of  America. 

States  and  Departments  are  component  parts  of  republics. 
Principalities,  Dukedoms,  and  Dutchies  are  branches  of  em- 
pires and  kingdoms.  Counties,  Cities,  Toavmhips,  Parishes^ 
&c.  are  less  divisions,  common  to  republics,  empires,  king- 
doms, and  states.  In  some  parts  of  the  southern  states  of 
America,  a  parish  answers  to  a  county.  In  the  northern 
states,  a  parish  is  a  district  incorporated  for  the  purpose  of 
supporting  public  worship. 

Towns  are  districts  of  various  extent,  commonly  about 
Mi  miles  square,  incorporated  for  the  purpose  of  choosing 
representatives,  and  managing  their  own  internal  affairs. 
All  such  districts,  without  regard  to  the  number  of  houses 
«r  inhabitants,  are  called  Towns,  and  sometimes  Toiunships, 
in  the  New- England  states.  In  the  southern  states,  this 
name  is  given  on!y  to  places  containing  a  number  of  houses, 
less  or  more,  compactly  built. 


INHABITANTS. 

The  human  inhabitants  of  the  earth  are  composed  of 
an  astonishing  number  of  different  nations,  of  various 
colors,  features,  languages,  religions,  customs,  and  occu- 
pations ;  and  subject  to  the  various  forms  of  civil  and  ec- 
clesiastical government. 

There  seem  to  be  about  six  varieties  in  tJie  liuman  spe- 
cies, each   strongly  marked,  and  indicating   little  mixture- 

The  Jirst  around  the  polar  regions.  The  Laplanders, 
the  Esquimaux  Indians,  t}]e  Samoeid  Tartars,  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Nova  Zembia,  the  Borandians,  the  Greenhmder?, 
and  Kami.chadait;s,  may  be  consideied  as  one  race,  re- 
sembling each  ether  in  stature,  complexion;  and  customs. 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  45 

The  second  great  variety  in  the  human  species  is  the 
Tartar  race  ;  whose  country  comprehends  a  great  part  of 
Asia  ;  and  consequently  Includes  a  number  of  nations,  of 
▼arious  forms  and  complexions  :  but,  however  different 
from  each  other,  they  agree  in  being  unlike  any  other  peo- 
ple.    To  this  race  is  referred  the  Chinese  and  the  Japanese. 

A  third  variety  in  the  human  species,  is  the  southern  A- 
siatics.  The  nations  of  the  Peninsular  India,  seem  to  be 
the  stock  whence  the  islands  scattered  in  the  Indian  Ocean 
have  been  peopled. 

The  fourth  variety  in  tlie  human  species,  is  the  negroes 
which  inhabit  the  southern  parts  of  Africa,  from  18°  N. 
to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

The  Aboriginal  Americans,  or  Indians,  constitute  the 
f.fth  race  of  mankind. 

The  sixth  variety  of  the  human  species,  is  the  Europe- 
ans, and  their  descendants  in  America  :  also  the  nations 
bordering  on  Europe,  including  the  Georgians,  Circas- 
sians, and  Mingrelians,  the  inhabitants  of  Asia  Minor,  and 
the  north  of  Africa,  with  part  of  the  countries  northwcs-t 
of  the  Caspian  sea. 

FORMS  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

For  their  common  security  and  welfare,  tl)e  inhabitants 
of  the  earth  have  formed  themselves  into  communities,  and 
instituted  government,  varying  in  its  forms.  The  govern- 
ment of  no  two  nations,  perhaps,  is  exactly  similar.  There 
are  but  thrcf.  kinds  of  simple  forms  of  government.  Monar- 
chy, Aristocracy,  and  Democracy.*  All  other  govern- 
ments must,  of  course,  be  a  mixture  of  these. 

The  earliest  form  of  government  was  a  species  of  Mon- 
archy,  called  Patriarchal  government,  in  which  the  chief 
magistrate,  so  far  as  related  to  government,  sustained  the 
authority  of  a  father  over  his  people  This  form  of  gov- 
ernment is  said  to  have  existed  in  China,  for  a  long  suc- 
cession of  years. 

When  the  sovereign  power  is  exercised  by  one  man,  that 
government  is  called  a  Mr-narchy.  The  chief  magistrate 
in  a  monarchical  government  is  styled  variously — King^ 
Monarch,  Emperor,  Sovereign.  Monarchies  are  of  diilerent 
kinds,  despotic,  absolute  or  arbitrary,  limited  or  mixedj 
•  Jou^N  Ap;vM3,  IJ^^,  late  presid^Qt  of  the  Uttited  Stat«»,^ 


46       '     ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

according  to  the  degree  of  power  vested  in  the  sovereign. 
The  Turkish  government  is  an  example  of  the  former  : 
that  of  Great- Britain  of  the  latter. 

An  Aristocracy  is  a  government  of  nobles.  Of  this  kind 
was  the  goremment  of  Venice,  till  its  revolution  in  1797. 
Governments  formed  by  a  free  people,  -or  by  their  prop- 
er representatives,  and  administered  by  officers  of  their 
own  choice,  and  where  the  executive  power  is  not  vested 
in  an  individual,  are  called  Democracies  or  Republics. 

The  fundamental  laws  of  a  state  or  country,  which  se- 
cure the  rights  of  its  inhabitants,  and  regulate  the  conduct 
•fits  rulers,  are  called  its  CoNsriTUTiON. 

RELIGIONS. 

Mankind,  in  respect  to  religion,  may  be  divided  into 
Christians^    Jews,   Mahometans,  Deists,  and  Pagans  or  Hea'  ■ 
thens. 

Christiaxs.  All  who  profess  to  be  the  disciples  and 
followers  of  Jesus  Christ,  are  called  Christians.  The 
greater  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  Europe,  and  of  the  A- 
merican  United  States,  together  with  those  in  the  Spanish 
parts  of  South-America,  the  West-India  islands,  and  some 
feA'  parts  of  Asia  and  Africa,  are  of  this  denomination. 

Christians  are  divided  into  \.  Roman  Catbolics,  who  have 
a  Pope  at  their  head,  and  are  thence  often  called  Papists. 
Tliese  are  a  numerous  sect  of  Christians,  inhabiting  the 
southern  and  intejior  parts  cf  Europe.  The  Spanish, 
French,  and  Portuguese  settlements  in  different  parts  of 
the  world  are  mostly  of  this  sect. 

2.  Protestants,  a  name  given  in  J  529  to  all  who  renounc- 
ed the  Roman  Catholic  religion,  and  emiiraced  the  princi- 
ples of  the  reformation. 

Protestants  are  divided  into  Lutherans  and  Calvinists,  as 
they  embrace  the  doctrines  peculiar  to  Luther  or  Calvin, 
two  of  the  first  and  most  conspicuous  Reformers. 

Lutherans  and  Calvinists  are  subdivided  into  Episcopali- 
ans, PresbyteriansK  Congregaiionalisls,  Independents,  Anabaptists, 
commonly  called  Baptists,  and  Methodists  ;  and  these  are 
again  divided  into  Moravians,  or  United  Brethren,  Caj-- 
Tfinists,  Arminians,  Arians  and  Socinians,  or  UnitariaflSj 
tjaiversalists,  Mpaijguists,  Tunkecs,  &c. 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  4? 

Under  the  head  of  Prostestnnts,  may  be  ranked  also  the 
FkrENDS,  commonly  called  Quakers^  a  respectable,  peace- 
ful and  industrious  body  of  people. 

3.  The  Greek  Church,  which  is  the  religion  of  the  Euro- 
pean part  of  the  Russian  empire,  and  of  part  of  Turkey  in 
Europe,  resembling,  in  many  particulars,  the  Roman 
Catholic  religion.  Its  professors  like  the  Catholics,  keep 
I^ent  and  many  other  days  of  fasting  ;  they  have  numer- 
ous ceremonies  in  their  worship — have  holy  tvater,  &c. 
The  great  saticitfication  of  the  w-j/^/tj  is  performed  at  i'eters- 
hurg,  twice  in  the  year,  in  commemoration  of  the  baptism 
of  our  Saviour,  in  the  most  splendid  and  magnificent  man- 
ner. They  d'ffer  from  the  Roman  Catholics,  in  thak  they 
have  never  acknowledged  the  Reman  Pontiff,  or  Pope. 

Of  the  Christian  sects,  the  Roman  Catholics  are  the  most 
numerous ;  next  the  Greek  Church  ;  next  Protestants. 
The  former  are  decreasing,  and  the  latter  increasing. 

The  Jfws  are  the  seed  of  Abraham,  or  the  descendants 
of  the  chosen  people  of  Gcd,  who  formerly  inhabited  Ju- 
dea,  but  are  now  dispersed,  and  have  became  a.  proverb,  im 
fulfilment  of  scripture  prr.phecies,  in  almost  every  nation 
under  heaven.  They  adhere  to  the  Old  Testament  scrip- 
ture but  rtject  the  New.  l^heir  number  is  not  known, 
Snnie  have  conjectured  that  they  amount  to  about  three 
millions. 

The  Mahometans  derive  their  name  and  doctrine  from 
Mahomet,  a  native  of  Arabia,  who  flourished  from  the  year 
GOO  to  6'i2,  after  Christ.  The  book  which  contains  their 
religion  is  called  the  Alcoran,  and  is  the  same  to  a  Mahom- 
etan as  the  B'lhle  is  to  a  Cliristian. 

The  Mahometans,  as  well  as  Christians,  are  divided  into 
a  great  variety  of  sects,  under  difit'rent  names. 

Deists.  All  such  as  assert  the  sufficiency,  universality, 
and  absolute  perfection  of  natural  religion,  v<'nh  a  view  to 
discredit  and  discard  all  extraordinary  rcjilaiion,  as  useless 
and  needless,  are  called  Deists. 

Lord  Herbert,  in  the  17th  century,  was  the  first  who 
reduced  Deism  to  a  system. 

Pagans  or  Heathens.  Those  people  who  repie^ent 
the  Deity  under  various  foims  or  images,  or  who  pay  di- 
vine wor^]}ip  to  the  sun,  fire,  beasts,  or  any  of  the  crea- 
tures of  God,  are  called  Pagans,  or  Heathens. 


48  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

The  Pagans  are  more  numerous  than  all  other  religious 
sects  collected,  making  it  is  supposed,  as  many,  as  nineteen 
thirtieths  of  mankind. 

The  Pagans  inhabit  all  other  parts  of  the  globe,  whick 
are  not  inhabited  by  Christians,  Jews,  Deists,  or  Mahome- 
tans. 

They  are  divided  into  innumerable  sects,  most  of  which 
have  different  idols  or  objects,  to  which  they  pay  divine 
worship.  The  worship  of  the  Grand  Lama  is  the  most  ex- 
tensive and  splendid  mode  of  Paganism — This  species  is 
professed  by  a  large  proportion  of  the  people  cf  Asia. 

The  Grand  Lama  is  a  name  given  to  the  High  Priest 
of  the  Thibetian  Tartars,  who  resides  at  Patoli,  a  vast  pal- 
ace, on  a  mountain,  near  the  banks  of  the  river  Baram- 
pooter.  At  tlie  foot  of  this  mountain  reside  20,000  Lamas 
or  Priests.  His  worshippers  are  very  numerous.,  and  come 
from  far  distant  countries.  The  emperor  cf  China  ac- 
knowledges him  in  his  religious  capacity. 

The  Grand  Lama  is  never  to  be  seen,  but  in  a  secret 
place  in  his  palace,  amidst  a  great  number  of  lamps,  sit- 
ting cross-legged,  upon  a  cushion,  and  decked  all  over 
with  gold  and  precious  stones  ;  where  at  a  distance,  the 
people  prostrate  themselves  btfore  him.  It  being  unlawful 
for  any  so  much  as  to  kiss  his  feet.  He  returns  not  the 
least  sign  of  respect,  nor  ever  speaks,  even  to  the  greatest 
princes  ;  but  only  lays  his  hand  on  their  heads,  and  they 
are  fully  persuaded  they  receive  from  thence  a  full  for- 
giveness of  all  their  sins. 

It  would  be  endless,  almost,  to  enumerate  all  the  ob- 
jects and  modes  of  Pagan  worship. 

OF  THE  DIVISIONS  OF  TIME. 

The  idea  of  time  is  acquired  by  corisidciing  the  parts  of 
duration,  as  passing  in  succession,  and  separated  by  inter- 
nals ;  the  idea  of  a  day,  a  month,  a  year,  &c.  is  obtained, 
by  observing  certain  appearances  uniformly  returning  at 
regular  periods,  includuig  equal  spaces  ;  by  multiplying 
and  combining  these,  we  procure  different  measures  of 
time  :  for  instance  a  Day  is  a  division  of  time,  measured 
by  the  appearance  and  disappearance  of  the  sun  ;  this 
.period  is  of  two  kinds — artiPiciil,  and  natural. 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  -19 

The  arufiaal day  is  tlic  tur.c  of  light,  or  of  ihe  sun's  ap- 
pearance above  the  horizon  :  in  opposition  to  which,  the 
time  of  darknci^s.  or  of  the  sun's  continuance  below  the 
-Iiorizon,  is  called  night. 

The  natural  ov  civil  day,  is  that  space  of  time  wherein  the 
sun  rcmpletc'S  his  circuit  round  the  earih  ;  or,  to  speak 
properly  and  astronomically,  the  time  of  an  entiie  revolu- 
tion of  the  equator.  This  period  is  the  positive  appoint- 
ment of  infinite  Wisdom,  v/hose  pnjlonged  operations  \\c 
call  the  course  of  nature. 

.  The  revolution  of  the  earth  on  its  axis  causes  a  seeming 
revolution  of  the  sun,  and  thus  forms  a  measure  of  tim.e, 
whicli  we  call  a  day  ;  this  is  evidently  founded  on  nature, 
and  is  ihe  consequence  of  our  observation  of  the  sun  :  but 
as  the  sun  seems  always  alike,  and  never  varies  its  form, 
or  f^'eneral  aspect,  the  eye  does  not  deiive  from  him  the 
means  of  compuiiiig  longer  periods,of  time  ;  for  this,  it 
turns  to  the  moon,  whose  appointment  being  to  enlighten 
nigh.t,  and  who  "  nightly  changes  in  her  circling  orb,"  the 
notice  of  these  chiuiges  becomes  the  register  of  a  period  of 
tim.e,  longer  than  what  can  be  gathered  from  the  sun. 
There  arc  lour  particular  inst.^.nces  of  the  moon's  course, 
v/hich  are  so  peculiarly  marked,  it  is  impossible  to  mis- 
take or  confound  them  ;  ^first.,  when  it  is  just  visible  in  a 
small  crescent  in  the  evening  ;  secondly,  when  it  is  exactly 
bisected,  having  the  light  to  the  right  hand  ;  thirdly,  when 
it  is  full  ;  and  fourlhy,  when  it  is  exactly  bisected,  having 
th.e  light  to  the  left  hand.  These  correspond  nearly  to 
every  seventh  day,  wheitby  they  iurnish  the  measures  of 
that  period  t\  tin:e  v^-e  call  a  ivcih,  and,  T.nited,  form  the 
still  longer  piTiod  of  a  month.  Ey  months,  was  long  the 
prevailing  mode  of  reckoning  ;  as  requiring  no  trouble,  no 
calculation  ;  simply  an  inspection  of  the  nightly  luminary, 
ai;d  a  correspondent  memorandum  of  her  aspect. 

iSh'nihs  and  vveelcs  evidently  began  together,  being  reg- 
Tilattd  !)y  the  course  of  the  mcon  ;  but  nations  acted  with 
great  diveisi'y,  in  fi.vingthe  beginning  of  their  days  ;  seme 
con)pu'!ng  jvom  the  risings  others  fixm  the  setting  of  the 
si,n,  ci;l;ers  ivv.xn  i:q:  w,  oihcrs  frrna  night.  'J'he  ancient 
B:d-)y!(.n::;ns  Per-i.ms,  Syrians,  and  n;oa  other  eastern  na- 
tions, the  Cireeks,  ^<c.  began  their  d;'.v  with  tiK-  sun's  r's- 
ir*r  i  the  a-c^etu  A:heniv\::s  and  Jc--^, 'the   ntodcrn    Auc 


50  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

trians,  Bohemians,  Silesians,  Italians,  and  Chinese,  froin 
the  sun's  setting  :  tiie  Ancient  Umbii  and  Arabians,  with 
the  TOodern  astronomers,  from  noon  :  the  Egyptians  and 
Romans,  with  the  modern  Enghsh,  French,  Dutch,  Ger- 
mans, Spaniards,  and  Portuguese,  from  midnight. 

A  year  truly  contains  36.'j  days,  5  hours,  and  49  min- 
utes :  but  the  most  ancient  form  of  the  year,  is  that  which 
divides  it  into  360  days. 

Epochs  are  certain  fixed  points  from  wlych  computa- 
tions are  begun,  and  to  which  calculations  are  referred. 
Ey  comparing  transactions  with  the  epocli,  and  tracing 
their  distance  from  it,  we  ascertain  tlie  years  in  wliich  they 
ivinocned,  and  assign  them  their  place  in  the  succession 
(  1  iiuio.  But  it  is  evident  this  can  icspect  only  the  epoch 
to  which  they  arc  referred,  as  the  epoch  of  one  nation  is 
c^isrcgaided  by  others.  The  Creatln  of  the  ivcrJd,  the  Deluge, 
the  Olympiads,  the  Binhlwg  of  Rome,  and  the  Birth  of  Christ, 
are  all  celebrated  eras  in  history. 


MEASURES. 

The  measures,  most  commonly  made  use  of  in  geo- 
graphical books,  are  inUcs  and  lengues-  The  English  and 
American  niiles  consist  of  8  furlongs,  equal  to  1760  yards. 
The  marine  league  contains  3  miles.  The  Turkish,  Ital- 
ian, and  old  Rrman  mile  differs  but  little  from  that  of 
the  English.  The  Dutch,  Spanish,  and  Poli>h  mile  is 
iibout  3;  English.  The  German  is  more  than  4 ;  the 
Danish  and  Hungarian,  rriore  than  5  ;  and  the  Swedish 
nenrly  7  Englisli  miles 

'1  he  raanne  or  geographical  mile  is  longer  than  the 
rommon,  or  English  mile.  In  a  degree  of  the  earth's  cir- 
cumference, there  a:c  GO  geog.  aphical  miiles,  which  are 
equal  to  61.4  English  miles. 

In  calculating  the  distance  of  pl;ices,  by  degrees  of  Inn- 
oi'.iiue,  gecc^rapliers  generally  assume  the  capital,  or  some 
other  remarkable  phicc  ol  tr.en  own  country,  as  the  fixed 
i-neridian.  Thus  tl.e  French  reckon  their  longitude  ficta 
',he  meridian  of  Paris,  and  the  English  reckon  theirs  from 
Greenwich,  which  is  the  scat  of  the  Royal  ObscTvatory. 
In  tlie  prcstn':   work,  the  loi'^giiudc,   v. here  it  is  not  other 


ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY.  51 

wise  expressed,  is  calculated  from  the  meridian  oF  Phlla- 
dflphi-a,  which  is  75°  S'  -IS''  west  from  Greenwich. 

ThiLnph  of  Mils  t  Leagues,  l^c.  ancieni  and  modern,  in  English 
yards. 

Yards. 

Ancient  Roman  mile  16"!0,348^ 

Olympic  stadium:^  ,1  of  anciciU  Roman  mils  201,2935 

Suidluin=.'-  of  ancient  Roman  mile  101,0348 

Stadinm=  to  the  1 1 00th  part  of  a  degree  i  11,2 

Jewibh  risin,  of  which  7ir:i:i::cient  Romi.n  mile  212,713 

Gallic  lcaca=l:'i  ancient  Roman  mile  2115,522 

Gerni'.n  ra^t,  or  common  league  in  France,=:2  Gal.  Icuca  4831,044 

rcr-,i..u  parasar.;j;=2G..l!ic  leagues     _  4831,044 

JL'p,  pti.in  sl!;cne=4  ancient  R.Jinan  miles  644  1 ,392 

G.rman  if:;;iie,  or  tl.at  of  Scandinavia=2  rasts  9562,083 

'i  ;v-  n-.uo  01  league  of  Girm:iny=200  Rfienish  yards  8239,845 

Great  Arabian  mile,  used  m  Prdestine,in  the  time  of)  ,,,.,„ 

tne  Jrusadei,  rated  at  H  ancient  Roman  mue         y 

Modern  Roman  mile  1028,466 

Modern  Greek  mile,  of  7  Olympic  stadia    '  1409,0545 

Modern  I'rench  leaj,'ue=:2500  toi-es  5328,75 

Alilc  of 'I'urkey,  and  the  common  vverst  of  Russia, ">  1409051'" 

su[)posing  it  7  Olympic  stadia  5 

League  of  Spain=::;4  ancient  Roman  miles  6441,342 

Lar^'e  league  of  Spain=:5  ditto  8051,74 


OF  THE  LOG  LINE. 

A  Log  is  a  piece  of  hoard,  in  the  form  of  the  quadrant 
of  a  circle,  Laving  iis  circular  side  loaded  with  weights,  to 
make  it  swim  upright.  To  this  log  is  fastened  a  line  of 
about  150  fathoms,  called  the  log-line  ;  this  is  divided  in- 
to equal  spaces,  called  knots,  each  of  which  ought  to  bear 
the  same  proportion  to  a  nautical  mile,  as  r^  a  minute  bears 
to  an  hour.  They  are  called  knots,  because  at  the  end  of 
each  of  them  there  is  fixed  a  piece  of  twine  with  knots  in 
it  ;  and  these  are  subdivided  into  tenths.  Now  a  nautical 
mile=6l20  feet,  and  the  ^T^,- part=5I  feet;  now  ^  :  1 
hour  ::  51  feet  :  6120  feet,  or  a  mile  ;  therefore,  if  51  feet 
of  the  log  line  run  off  in  ,^',  one  mile  will  be  run  off  in  an 
hour  ;  hence,  as  many  knats  as  are  run  off  in  an  hour,  so 


o2  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOGRAPHY. 

many  miles  the  ship  sails  in  an  hour.  But  as  the  ship*s 
run  is  found  to  be  more  than  that  given  by  the  log,  owing 
to  the  log  being  drawn  forward,  they  generally  allow  only 
hfty  feet  for  a  knot ;  and  some  commanders  al'ow  less. 
And  to  measure  the  time,  they  have  a  sand  glass,  whicL 
runs  out  in  half  a  minute. 

The  line  runs  off  a  reel,  which  turns  very  easily,  znd  the 
log  is  thrown  from  the  poop,  or  lee  quarter  ;  and  they 
generally  let  it  run  12  or  15  fathoms,  so  as  to  be  oat  cf 
the  ship's  wake,  and  then  begin  to  count.  There  is  com- 
monly fastened  a  piece  of  red  flag,  to  show  where  you  are 
to  begin  to  reckon.  Care  must  be  taken  to  have  the  hour 
glass  and  log  line  correct,  otherwise  an  allowance  must  be 
m.ade. 

If  the  log  line  and  the  time  of  the  running  out  of  the 
p-las3  be  both  altered  in  rhe  same  proportion,  the  number 
of  knots,  run  out  in  one  glass  will  still  show  the  numl>cr 
of  miles  run  in  an  hour  ;  for  if  the  knots  be  40  feet  and  the 
glass  run  out  in  2V',  then  24"  :  30' ::  40  feet  :  50  feet,  se 
that  50  feet  is  still  run  out  in  half  a  minute. 


GEOGRAPHY  MADE  EASY 


>jrv^>-»x-i>%^w*vr»r-^ 


AMERICA, 


OF  the  grand  divisions  of  the  earth,  America  is  muck 
the  largest  From  its  late  discovery,  by  the  inhabitants 
of  the  eastern  continent,  it  is  frequently  denominated  the 
Neiv  World,  or  Neio  Hemisphere^  a  title,  which,  perhaps,  it: 
may  justly  claim,  when  we  consider  its  vast  extent,  and  its 
unquestionable  superiority  over  any  other  division  of  the 
eartli,  in  the  number  and  variety  of  its  products,  and  the 
interesting  consequences  it  has  already  produced,  and  is 
still  producing,  with  respect  to  the  nations  of  the  world. 

Situation  and  Extent.  The  soutliern  limit  of  the  Amei  ican 
continent  is  in  56^  south  latitude,  whence  it  extends  prob- 
ably to  the  north  pole.  Of  the  northern  limit,  however, 
we  cannot  speak  positively,  as  no  discoveries  have  been 
made  beyond  7'2or  73  degrees  of  north  latitude,  its  length 
from  north  to  south,  may  be  estimated  at  9600  miles. 
It  spreads  from,  the  'i5ih  to  168th  degree  west  longi- 
tude from  London.  Its  breadth  is  very  unequal,  but  sup- 
posed to  average  1500  miles,  though  in  the  northern  part- 
:t  is  known  to  exceed  4500. 

America  is  in  no  part  jo-ned  by  land  to  the  old  conti- 
nent. It  is  separated  from  Europe  and  Africa  on  the  east 
by  the  Atlantic  ocean  :  the  Pacitic  ocean  divides  it  from 
Asia  on  the  west.  It  contains  upwards  of  14,000,000 
square  miles. 

Divisions.  Though  America  forms  properly  but  one 
continent,  yet  there  is  a  division,  so  clearly  maiked  by  na- 
ture, that  tlie  propriety  of  its  being  considered  in  two  sep- 
arate portions  is  universally  acknowledged.  These  two 
regions  called  North  and  Sout/i-zUsrifa,  are  'oijusd  logcph-- 
£2 


5i  AMERICA. 

er  by  the  Isthmus  of  Dar'ten,  which  in  its  narrowest  part,  h 
about  27  miles  in  width,  some  say  GO  or  70.  This  isthmus 
is  made  up  of  low  sickly  rallies,  and  mountains  of  such 
stupendous  height,  that  they  seem  to  be  placed  by  nature, 
as  eternal  barriers  between  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  ocean, 
which  here  approach  so  near  each  other,  that  from  the 
mountains  both  may  be  seen  at  the  same  time. 

Face  of  the  Country.  In  America,  the  face  of  the  country 
is  distinguished  by  a  peculiar  magnificence  of  features. 
The  astonished  eye  here  meets  with  mountains,  whose 
ic-^.s  intercept  the  clouds  in  their  progress  ;  and  rivers, 
with  which  the  streams  of  the  old  world  cannot  be  com- 
pared either  for  length  of  course,  or  the  body  of  water, 
which  they  convfv  to  the  ocean.  The  lakes  of  America 
are  no  less  conspicuc!.':  for  grandeur,  than  its  mountains- 
and  rivers. 

The  luxuriance  of  the  vegetable  creation  is  also  very 
great.  In  the  southern  provinces,  where  the  moisture  of 
the  earth  is  aided  by  the  warmth  of  the  sun,  the  woods  are. 
almost  impervious  ;  and  the  surface  of  the  ground  is  hid- 
den under  a  thick  covering  of  shrubs  and  herbs  In  the 
northern  provinces,  though  the  forests  are  not  incum.bered . 
with  the  san:ie  wild  luxuriance  of  vegetation,  yet  the  trees 
are  generally  more  lofty,  and  often  much  larger,  than  are. 
.^een  in  any  other  parts  of  the  world. 

In  the  productions  of  the  forest,  America  is  greatly  su- 
perior to  Europe.  From  a  memoir  of  a  European  trav- 
eller,  it  is  ascertained,  that  in  Europe  there  are  thirty  sev- 
en trees,  which  grow  to  the  height  of  thirty  feel  ;  of  which 
eighteen  form  the  mass  iA  their  forest,  and  sixteen  are 
found  in  every  part  of  Europe.  In  America  there  are 
ninety  species  oi^  trees,  which  exceed  forty  leet  in  hciglit. 
They  ai e  all  natives  of  the  forest,  and  seventy-tv.o  are 
common  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  Tn  Europe^, 
only  seven  are  fit  for  architecture,  in  America  no  less  than 
fiftv-one.* 

Populatkn.  It  is  Impossible  to  ascertain  the  exact  popula- 
tion of  this  immense  division  of  the  globe.  Some  authors 
have  exaggerated  it  beyond  all  credibility  ;  and  in  calcu- 
lating the  population  of  the  v/hole  world,  have  assignee! 
i.'*0.000>000  to  America.  If  we  suppose  every  part  of  the 
•  RtEj's  Cyciopedia,  ARiericaU  eUilicii. 


AMERICA.  55 

continent  to  be  as  populous  as  the  United  States,  the  whole 
number  would  not  exceed  ^,0()0,0()0.  Hassel,  in  his  ta- 
bles, axes  the  number  at  21,297,000.  This  estimate  is 
doubtless  too  low.  The  real  number  is  probably  about 
3.';,()00,000. 

Inhabitants.  The  present  inhabitants  of  America  may  be 
divided  into  two  general  classes  :  1.  The  Aboriginal  inhab- 
itants, generally  called  Indians,  or  those  who  descended 
from  the  rirst  settlers  of  the  continent.  2.  Those  who 
have  rpigrated  or  been  transported  to  America,  since  its 
discovery  by  Columbus,  and  their  descendants  This  lat- 
ter class  will  be  more  particularly  described,  when  treating 
of  the  diifcrent  portions  of  the  continent,  which  they  inhab- 
it.     At  present,  our  remarks  will  be  confined  to  llie 

Aboriginal  Inhabitants.  These  may  be  considered  as  divid- 
ed into  three  distinct  class^es :  1.  The  South- American  In- 
dians. '2.  The  Mexicans,  and  all  the  Indians  south  of  the 
lakes,  and  we'^t  of  the  Mississippi.  3  The  northern  ttibes, 
inhabiting  Labrador,  Esquimaux,  and  the  adjacent  coun- 
tries. 

_  The  South-American  Indians  are  generally  of  an  oh'i'e 
complexion,  of  different  shades.  Their  stature  is  about  the 
middle  size,  but  some  nations  rank  among  the  tallest  of 
the  human  species. 

The  men  and  children,  in  the  warm  eMmate,  and  in 
summer,  in  the  colder  regions,  go  quite  n?.ked.  "^J'he  wo- 
men v.'t-ar  no  more  covering  than  tlie  most  relaxed  niodes- 
ty  seems  absolutely  to  require.  The  cioihng-,  of  such  as 
make  use  of  it,  is  made  of  the  skins  oi  beasts,  of  feathers 
sewed  logeihcr,  and  in  the  southern  nations,  where  they 
raise  sheep,  of  wool  manuiactujed  into  siufl's  aiid  blankets. 

With  respect  to  religion,  some  oi  tlie  Indiyiis  are  idola- 
ters. They  appear  to  have  some  notions  (,f  a  Siqvieme 
Being,  and  believe  in  futnie  rewards  and  punishments: 
but  generally  their  ideas  of  religion  and  govtrnnjenl  are 
very  rude.  Some  nation^',  or  rather  tnbes,  live  comj;actly 
in  towns,  and  cultivate  tlie  earth  ;  others  li;ive  no  settled 
habitation,  but  wander  over  the  country,  subsisting  on  fi.sh 
and  the  wild  animals  of  the  forest  Tl:e  I'miviin,:,  are 
supposed  to  have  made  greater  progress  in  civiiizaviorvj 
thaa  any  olher  nation iiihubi;ing  the  new  world. 


SS  AMERICA. 

Though  some  of  these  nations  are  represented  as  cf  tie! 
and  inconstant,  others  are  humane  and  hospitable.  They 
are  generally-  attentive  and  kind  to  strangers  ;  and  we  sel- 
dom hear  of  their  being  first  in  a  quarrel  with  those  who 
pass  their  territories. 

The  second  class  of  American  Indians,  who  inhabit 
Mexico,  and  the  country  south  of  the  lakes,  and  west  of 
the  Missisippi,  seem  to  be  advanced  higher  in  the  scale  of 
humaa  beings,  than  any  of  the  nations  of  South-America, 
except  the  Peruvians. 

The  Abbe-Clavigero,  a  judicious  and  credible  writer, 
informs  us,  that,  after  attentively  examining  the  character, 
the  genius,  the  ancient  history,  religion,  and  government  of 
the  Mexicans,  he  does  not  hesitate  to  declare,  that  their 
mental  qualities  are  not,  in  the  least  degree,  inferior  to 
those  of  the  Europeans  ;  that  they  are  capable  of  all,  even 
the  most  abstract  sciences  ;  and  thai,  if  equal  care  and 
pains  were  taken  in  their  education,  we  should  see  rise  a- 
mong  them,  philosophers,  mathematicians,  and  divines, 
who  would  rival  the  first  in  Europe.  But  it  is  riot  possi- 
ble to  make  great  progress  in  the  sciences,  in  the  midst  of 
a  life  of  misery,  servitude,  and  oppression.  Their  ancient 
government,  their  laws,  and  their  arts,  evidently  demon- 
strate, that  they  suffered  no  want  of  genius. 

They  are  of  a  good  stature,  rather  exceeding  the  middle 
size  ;  well  proportioned  in  all  their  limbs  ;  have  a  fine 
olive  complexion  ;  narrow  foreheads  ;  black  eyes  ;  their 
teeth  are  firm,  white,  and  regular  ;  their  hair  black,  coarse  ' 
and  glossy.  'I'hey  are  neither  very  beautiful,  nor  the  re- 
verse. They  are  moderate  eaters,  but  addicted  te  intem- 
perance in  drinking  ;  which  appears  to  be  a  general  char- 
acteristic of  ail  the  American  Indians.  They  are  patient 
of  injuries  and  hardships,  and  always  grateful  for  beiiefits. 
Generosity  and  disinterestedness  are  striking  traits  in  their 
character.  Their  religion  is  blended  with  much  supersti- 
tion, and  some  of  them  are  very  prone  to  idolatry. 

The  more  northern  Indians,  whom  we  have  included  in 
the  second  class,  in  their  complexion,  size,  and  form,  are 
not,  in  general,  unlike  tlie  Mexicans.  In  social  and  do- 
mestic virtues,  in  agriculture,  arts,  and  manufactures,  they 
are  far  behind  the  Mexicans  ;  in  their  hospitality,  equal  5 
and  in  their  eloqutjice  in  coo;icil,  aod  bravery  in  war,  per- 


AMERICA.  57 

haps  superior.  Their  mode  of  life,  and  the  stale  of  socie- 
ty among  them,  afford  few  objects  for  the  display  of  either 
their  literary  or  political  ab-lities.  They  are  brave,  when 
an  enterprise  depends  on  bravery  ;  education  witli  them 
making  the  point  of  honor  to  consist  in  the  destruction  of 
an  enemy  by  stratagem.  An  Indian  will  defend  himself 
apainsl  a  host  of  enemies,  always  choosing  to  be  killed, 
rather  than  to  surrender.  In  other  situations,  also,  he 
meets  death  with  more  deliberation,  and  endures  tortures 
with  a  firmness  almost  unknown  to  religious  enthusiasm. 
He  is  affectionate  to  his  children,  and  his  affection  is  extend- 
ed to  his  other  connections.  His  friendship  is  strong  and 
faithful  to  the  utmost  extremity.  Their  sensibility  is  keen  ; 
oven  the  warriors  weep  most  bitterly  on  the  loss  of  their 
children,  though  in  general,  they  endeavor  to  appear  su- 
perior to  human  events  * 

The  third  class  of  American  Indians,  who  inliabit  Es- 
quimaux, Labrador,  and  the  countries  adjacent,  are  much, 
less  known  than  either  of  the  classes  above  described. 
They  d'fFer  in  size  and  shape  fronj  the  other  Americans, 
and  are  said  lo  resemb'e  the  Laplanders  and  Samoeids  of 
Europe,  from  whom  it  is  conjectured  they  descended. 

The  E5q>iin;aux  are  distinguished  fiom  the  southern 
tribes  chieHy  by  their  dress,  their  canoes,  and  their  instru- 
ments of  chase.  Further  to  the  northward,  they  decrease 
in  height  till  they  dwindle  into  the  dwarfish  tribes  that  in- 
habit the  shores  of  the  Arctic  or  Frozen  Ocean,  and  the 
maritime  parts  of  Fludson  Bay. 

The  arctjc  countries  of  America,  as  well  as  those  of  A- 
sla,  have  few  inhabitants  ;  and  those  are  of  tlie  dwarfish 
kind,  scattered  on  the  banks  of  rivers,  lakes,  and  seas,  sub- 
sisting miserably  upon  fisli,  and  the  flesh  of  those  animals, 
that  inhabit  those  frozen  regions,  with  the  skins  of  which 
they  clothe  tliemselves.f 

The  first  peopling  of  America.  This  is  an  interesting  sub- 
ject, and  has  caused  much  discussion  among  several  wri- 
ters ;  but  the  places  from  whence  the  first  inhabitants  orig- 
inated, and  the  manner  in  which  they,  as  well  as  the  quad- 
rupeds and  reptiles,  passed  from  tlie  eastern  to  the  west- 

*  Jefferson's  Notes  on  Virginia. 
•}•  Capt.  JElhs. 


is  AMERICA. 

ern  continent,  are  questions,  which  probably  can  never  by- 
satisfactorily  decided. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  many  learned  men,  that  the  two  con- 
tinents were  formerly  united.  Thnt  this  earth  has  expeii- 
enced  great  changes  since  the  deluge,  will  not  admit  of  a 
doubt.  Earihqa  ikes  have  sw-allowed  up  large  tracts  of  a 
land  in  soirje  piaces — subterraneous  fires  have  thrown  up 
others -the  sea,  in  some  places,  has  been  forced  to  retreat 
m. my  miles  from  the  shore  -  in  others,  it  has  made  en- 
croachments, and,  in  many  instances,  it  has  separated  ter- 
ritories v-vliich  once  were  united.  It  is  possible  that  the 
equinoxial  countries  of  America  and  Africa,  were  cnce  con- 
nected by  an  isthmus,  the  rem^iins  of  which  are  seen  in  that 
chain,  ot'  inlands,  of  which  Cape  de  Verd,  Fernando,  As- 
censi<)n,  and  St.  M  ilhews  make  a  part.  It  is  also  possible 
that  th"  peninsula  of  Kamschatk*  may  have  joined  the 
northeastern  pnrts  of  Asia  to  the  northwestern  parts  of  A- 
merica,  wliich  are  now  separated  only  by  a  very  narrow 
strait.  Admitting  this  supposition  to  be  true,  the  animals 
peculiar  to  hot  countries  passed  over  the  isthmus  that  once 
connected  South-America  v.-ith  Africa  ;  and  those  of  cold 
climates  ir:igrated  from  the  northeastern  parts  of  Asia. 
As  tiie  Lsqiu'manx  and  Greenlanders  perfectly  resemble 
each  other,  and  both  resemble  the  Lappes  or  Laplanders 
of  ;.;urope,  it  is  rendered  probable  that  they  originated 
from  thence       Bat  all  this  is  uncertain. 

History  of  Us  Discovery.  Tha  first  discovery  of  Ameiita 
has  ge^.eraily  been  ascribed  to  Christopher  Columbus. 
But,  it  being  now  universally  admitted  that  Greenland 
forms  a  part  of  the  American  continent,  the  date  of  the  fis  st» 
discovery  must  be  carried  back  to  the  year  932,  when  the 
Norwegians  first  visited  Greenland.  In  the  year  1003, 
the  Norwegians  also  discovered  a  country,  which  they  call- 
ed Flnelancf,  where  they  planted  a  colony  This  is  suppos- 
ed to  have  been  on  the  coast  oi  Labrador  ;  but  all  their 
attempts  to  establish  colgnies,  proved  unsuccessful,  and 
the  knowledge  of  the  country  was  soon  lost. 

These  partial  discoveries  of  the  Norwegians,  however, 
do  not,  in  the  lest  degree,  derogate  from  the  merits  ot 
Columbus  ;  for  Behaim,  who  was  the  most  complete  gc 
ographer  of  his  time,  evinces  that  there  was  no  prior  dis- 
covery upon  the  route  followed  by  that  great  navigator. 


AMERICA.  59 

The  discovery  of  Vineland  could  scarcely  have  been  known 
to  him  ;  and  thut  of  Greenland  was  so  remote,  that  there 
was  no  room  for  a  suggestion  that  it  formed  part  of  a  pro- 
digious continent.*  Columbus  has  therefore  a  fair  claim 
to  the  glory  of  discovering  the  New  World. 

Columbus  was  a  native  of  Genoa  ;  from  a  long  and  close 
application  to  the  study  of  geography  and  navigation,  he 
had  obtained  a  knowledge  of  the  true  figure  of  the  earth, 
much  superior  to  the  general  notions  of  the  age  in  which 
he  lived.  That  the  terraqueous  globe  might  be  properly 
balanced,  and  the  land  and  sea  proportioned  to  each  other, 
he  conceived  that  another  continent  was  necessary  ;  this 
continent  he  supposed  to  be  connected  with  the  East- 
Indies. 

To  prove  the  truth  of  his  system,  he  found  it  necessary 
to  obtain  tlie  patronage  of  some  of  the  European  powers. 
After  several  fruitless  applications  to  tlie  governments  ©f 
Genoa,  Spain,  Portugal,  and  others  of  less  note,  he  pro- 
cured assistance  from  Ferdinand  and  Isabella,  who  then 
governed  the  united  kingdo-ms  of  Castile  and  Arragon.  A 
squadron,  of  three  small  vessels,  was  fitted  out,  victualled 
for  twelve  months,  and  furnislied  with  ninety  men.  Of 
this  squadron,  Cohimbus  was  appointed  adniiral. 

He  bailed  from  Palos  in  Spain,  on  the  3d  of  August, 
1492  ;  and  steered  directly  for  the  Canary  islands,  where 
he  arrived  and  refitted,  as  v/ell  as  he  could,  his  crazy  and 
ill  appointed  fleet  Plence  he  sailed,  September  6th,  a  due 
western  course  into  an  unkncnvn  ocean. 

Cojun.biis  now  found  a  thousand  urforeseen  hardships 
to  encounter,  wliich  demanded  all  his  judgement,  fortitude 
and  address  to  surmount.  Beside  the  difficulties,  unavoid- 
able from  the  nature  of  his  undertakii;g,  he  had  to  struggle 
witli  those  whicii  arose  frt  m  the  ignorarce  an.d  timidity  of 
the  people  under  his  command.  On  the  ]4th  of  Septem- 
berhewasastoiiiihedto  find  that  the  magnetic  needlein  tf.eir 
comnass  did  not  [)o;nt  exactly  to  the  poLr  star,  but  varied 
to"  a;d  iiie  we^t  ;  and  as  they  proceeded,  this  variation  in- 
cieas(  d.  'I  h:s  nev.-  phenrjnenon  filled  the  companions  of 
CoiuniNus  with  terror.  Nature  itself  seemed  tf)  have  sus- 
talnt  li  a  charge  ;  and  the  only  guide  they  had  left,  to  poini; 
\hcai  to  a  safe  letreat  from  an  unbounded  and  trackless  o- 

'    PiNKEinaN, 


60  AMERICA. 

cean,  was  about  to  fall  them.  Columbus  with  no  less  quick- 
ness than  ingenuity,  assigned  a  reason  for  this  appearance, 
which  though  it  did  not  salify  himself,  seemed  so  plausi- 
ble to  them,  that  it  dispelled  their  fears,  or  silenced  their 
THUrmurs.  On  other  trying  occasions,  he  displayed  all 
that  cool  deliberation,  piTidence,  soothing  address,  and 
firmness,  which  are  necessary  for  a  person  engaged  in  % 
discovery  the  most  interesting  to  the  world  of  any  ever  un- 
dertaken by  man 

On  the  11th  of  October,  1492,  at  10  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing, Columbus,  from  the  forecastle,  descried  a  light.  At 
two  o'clock  next  morning,  Roderick  Trienna  discovered 
land  The  joyful  tidings  were  quickly  communicated  to 
the  other  ships.  The  morning  light  confirmed  the  report  ; 
and  the  several  crews  immediately  began  Te  Dettm,  as  a 
kymn  of  thanksgiving  to  God,  and  mingled  their  praises 
with  tears  of  joy,  and  transports  of  congratulation.  Co- 
lumbus richly  dressed,  with  a  drauTi  sword  in  his  hand, 
was  the  first  European,  which  set  foot  in  the  New- World 
which  he  had  discovered.  The  island  on  which  he  first 
landed  he  called  St.  Salvador,  one  of  that  large  cluster, 
known  by  the  name  of  the  Lucaya  or  Bahama  Isles.  He 
afterwards  touched  at  several  of  the  islands  in  the  same 
cluster.  In  steeiing  southward,  he  discovered  the  islands 
of  Cuba  and  Hispaniola,  inliabited  by  a  humane  and  hos- 
pitable people.  He  returned,  and  arrived  at  Palos  in 
Spain,  whence  he  had  sr.iied  the  year  before^  on  the  15Lh 
of  March,   J  493.  '' 

In  September,  1493.  Columbus  sailed  upon  his  second 
voyage  to  America  ;  during  which  he  discovered  the  isl- 
ands of  Dominica,  Marigalanle,  Guadaloupe,  Antigua, 
Porto  Rico,    and  Jamaica  ;  and  returned  to  Spain,    i4')G. 

In  1498,  he  sailed  a  third  time  for  America  ;  and  on 
the  first  of  August  discovered  the  Continent.  He  tlien 
coasted  westward,  making  other  discoveries  for  200  leaguec 
to  C?.pe  Vela,  whence  he  crossed  over  to  Hispaniola,  wliere 
he  was  seized  by  a  new  Spanish  governor,  and  scat  home 
in  chains  ! 

In  1502,  Columbus  made  his  fourth  voyage  to  Hispan- 
iola ;  thence  he  went  over  to  the  continent  ;  and  made 
many  nev/  discoveries,  particularly  the  harbor  of  Por!^ 
Bello,  and  the  Gulf  of  Darien. 


AMERICA.  61 

The  latter  part  of  the  life  of  this  great  man  was  made 
wretched  by  the  cruel  persecutions  of  his  enemies.  Queen 
Isabella,  his  friend  and  patroness,  was  no  longer  alive  to 
afford  him  relief.  He  sought  redress  from  Ferdinand,  but 
in  vain.  Disgusted  with  the  ingratitude  v'f  a  monarch, 
whom  he  had  served  with  so  much  fideluy  and  success  ; 
exhausted  with  hardships,  and  broken  with  the  infirmities 
which  these  brought  upon  him,  Columbus  ended  his  active 
and  useful  life,  at  ValJadolid,  on  the  '25th  of  May.  1506, 
in  the  59th  year  of  his  age.  He  died  with  a  composure  of 
mind  suited  to  the  magnanimity  which  distinguished  his 
character,  and  with  sentiments  of  piety  bccommg  that  re- 
spect for  religion,  which  he  manifested  in  every  occurrence 
of  his  life.  He  was  grave,  tbf'ugh  courteous,  in  his  de- 
portment, circumspect  in  words  and  actions,  iireproacha- 
l?le  in  morals,  and  e-xemplai-y  in  all  the  duties  of  his  relig- 
ion The  court  of  Spain  we:e  so  just  to  his  memory, 
notwithstanding  their  ingratitude  toward  him  during  his 
]ife,  that  they  buried  him  magnificently  in  the  cathedral  of 
Seville,  and  erected  a  tomb  over  him  with  this  inscription  : 

Columbus  has  given  a  New  World 
To  the  Kingdoms  of  Castile  and  Leon. 

Among  other  adventurers  to  the  new  world  uas  Amer- 
cus  Vespucius,  a  Florentine,  whom  Ferdinand  had  appoint- 
ed to  draw  sea  charts,  and  who  accompanied  Ojt  cia,  an 
€nterpri.sing  Spaniatd,  to  America,  in  1499.  On  his  re- 
turn, Americas  published  an  account  of  his  voyage,  and  a 
description  of  the  ncv/  continent.  It  circulated  rapidiy, 
and  was  read  with  admiration.  In  this  narrative  he  insin- 
uated, that  the  glory  of  having  fitst  discovered  the  conti- 
nent in  the  New  World,  belonged  to  him.  'J  his  was  in 
part  believed,  and  the  country  began  to  be  called  after  the 
name  of  its  supposed  first  discoverer.  The  unaccounta- 
ble caprice  of  mankind  has  perpetuated  the  error  j  so  that 
now,  by  the  universal  consent  of  all  nations,  this  new  quar- 
ter of  the  globe  is  called  America.  The  name  of  Amer- 
icus  has  supplanted  that  of  Columbus,  and  mankind  are 
left  to  regret  an  act  ^  \'v injustice,  which,  having  been  sanc- 
tioned by  time,  the>bet\*.  never  redress, 
F 


^  NORTH-AMERICA. 

NORTH-AMERICA. 

Boundaries,  Siluation,  Extent.  THIS  division  of  the 
western  continent  includes  all  that  part  lying  north  of  the 
Isthmus  of  Darien.  It  is  bounded  east  by  the  Atlantic, 
and  west  by  the  North  Pacific  ocean,  its  southern  boun- 
dary line  is  the  parallel  of  7  30  N.  ;  whence  it  extends  to 
the  north  pole  ;  in  length  about  80  degrees,  or  5200  miles. 
its  greatest  extent,  from  west  to  east,  is  generally  reckon- 
ed from  the  promontory  of  Alaska,  in  about  90°  W.  Ion. 
to  Cape  Charles,  the  most  easterly  point  of  Labrador,  in 
20'^  E.  Ion.  from  Philadelphia  ;  in  breadth  4570  mjles. 
If  Greenland  be  considered  as  a  part  of  North  America,  to 
which  it  is  probably  united,  its  extreme  eastern  limit  will 
extend  nearly  to  55''  E.  Ion.  Its  average  breadth  is  about 
1500  miles. 

Climate.  In  a  region  of  sucb  vast  extent,  as  North- Amer- 
ica, the  climate  must  of  course  be  various.  It  experiences 
every  temperatureof  the  atmosphere,  from theburning heats 
of  the  torrid  zone,  to  the  intolerable  colds  of  the  polar 
legions.  Almost  every  division  of  the  continent  has  a  cli- 
mate of  its  own,  which  will  be  noticed  in  its  proper  place. 

Seas.  Baffin's  Bay,  is  the  largest  aiid  m.ost  northerly  of 
any  yet  discovered.  It  lies  beyond  the  70th  degree  of  N. 
iat.  and  opens  into  the  Atlantic  ocean  through  J)avis's 
Straits,  between  the  coasts  of  Labrador  and  Gtt^land. 
This  bay  has  never  been  explored,  except  by  its  discoverer, 
William  Baffin,  in  1662,  and  many  modern  geographers 
doubt  its  existence  ;  it  however  still  occupies  a  place  on 
maps.  The  strait,  which  connects  it  with  the  Atlantic,  is 
j^s  wide  as  the  Baltic  sea. 

Hudson  Bay  was  discovered  in  1610,  by  Henry  Hud- 
son, a#d  lies  between  55  and  65°  N.  Iat.  3(  0  leagues 
broad,  comtonmicating  with  the  Atlantic  ocean  by  Hud- 
son's Strait.  The  gulf  or  sea,  called  Davis's  Strait,  may 
be  considered  as  a  part  of  Hudson  Bay,  and  most  probably 
joins  the  Arctic  ocean.  Hudson  Bay  abounds  with  the 
beluga,  or  white  whale.  Large  stuigeons  are  also  caught 
in  some  parts  ol  it.         '  {.|,p 

The  Bay  or  Gulf  of  St.  Law}\  ",.•  is  foiincd  b)  the 
siouth  of  the  river  of  the  same  name,   which  is  i;0  iriil«; 


NORTH.  AMERICA.  '53 

broad.     It  communicates  with  the  Atlanlic  on  both  sides 
of  the  island  of  Newfoundland. 

The  Gulf  of  Mexico  is  th.it  part  of  the  NoilhV\tlantic 
ocean,  which  washes  the  south  and  south-western  shores  of 
FioriJa  and  the  eastern  shores  of  Mexico.  It  lies  between 
North  and  South- America.  Its  coasts  arc  indented  by 
many  lesser  gulfs  and  bays  ;  the  chief  of  which  are  the  bays 
of  Honduras.  Canipeachy,  Palaxy  and  St.  Louis.  It  is 
conioctured  by  some  to  have  been  foimeriy  land  ;  and 
that  the  constant  attrition  of  the  waters  of  the  Gulf  Stream 
has  worn  it  to  its  present  form. 

Ldc:.  There  aie  reckoned  above /la? /Avwc/r^ii  lakes  iri 
North-Am.erica  ;  a  singularity  which  distinguishes  it  from 
every  odier  portion  of  the  globe.  Those  of  the  second  or 
tliird  class  are  superior  in  magnitude  to  arfy  lakes  iii-,thti,. 
easccrn  continent,  the  Ca>^pian  sea  excepted  ^  and  even  that 
is  riot  equal  In  size  to  Lake  Superior.  This  noble  lake  is 
tiiC  largest  body  of  fresh  water  on  the  globe,  being  1.500 
ir.Iles  in  vfircumference.  It  is  situated  between  4G  and  50*^ 
N.  lat.  and  between  5  and  11"  W.  Ion.  The  water  is  very 
clear  and  transparent.  A  great  part  of  the  coast  is  rocky 
and  uneven  ground.  Storms  are  more  dreadful  here,  than. 
on  the  ocean.  It  is  often  covered  with  a  iog,  which,  when 
the  wind  is  easterly,  falls  on  the  western  shore  ia  torrent-, 
of  rain.  It  abounds  with  a  great  variety  offish,  such  as 
trout,  pickerel,' carp,  bass,  and  herrings. 

There  are  many  islands  in  this  lake,  some  larg-e  enough 
to  form  considerable  provinces.  The  Indians  suppos'.* 
these  islands  to  be  the  residence  of  the  Great  Spirit. 

This  lake  receives  about  4-0  rivers,  and  discharges  it.;^ 
waters  from  the  southeast  corner,  throui^h  the  straits  of 
St.  Marie,  about  40  miles  long,  into  Lake  Huron. 

Lake  Huron  is  the  next  in  size,  being  more  than  I0C(5 
miles  in  circumference,  lying  between  i^"^  oO'  and  ■17  30 
N  lat.  It  communicates  wi'Ji  Lake  Michigan  on  the  west, 
and  with  Erie  on  ihe  south.  On  the  south-west  part  in 
Saganaum  Bay,  80  miles  long,  and  '20  broad.  ItaI)ounds 
with  fislr  ;  and  on  its  banks  arc  found  amazing  cjuantiiies 
of  sand  cherries. 

Michigan  Lake  is  wholly  within  the  territory  of  the  \]-. 
nited  States,  lying  between  41  and  46°  N.  lat.  and  is  L'I'.'j 
miles  in  circumference.     It  is  navigable  for  ships  of  any 


6i  NORTH- AMERICA. 

burden,  and  communicates  with  lake  Huron  by  the  Straits 
%)i  Miciiiilimakinak,  6  miles  broad. 

Erie  is  a  iake  ot  the  I'ourth  magnitude,  of  an  oval  form, 
2'2,>  miles  loner,  'tind  +0  broad  ;  between  4  1  and  43  degrees 
N.  lat.  It  affords  good  navigation  for  sliips  of  any  burden. 
Its  banl<s  in  many  places  are  flat  and  sandy  ;  but  on  the 
south  side,  at  the  entrance  of  Cayahnga  liver,  are  danger- 
ous rocks,  40  or  50  feet  higli,  projecting  over  the  lake. 
The  view  of  these  rocks  from  the  water  is  sublime  beyond 
description  ;  and  the  Indians  never  pass  them,  without  cf- 
feiing  a  sacrifice  of  tobacco  to  the  spirit  of  the  water. 

Ontario  forms  the  Hfth  link  in  this  grand  chain  of  lakes. 
It  is  situated  between  43  and  44"  N.  lat.  ;  abcut  600  miles 
in  circumference,  communicating  with  Lake  Erie  by  Ni- 
agara river.  The  waters  of  tliis  lake  are  discharged  into 
the  river  Cataracjui,  (which  afterwards  takes  the  name  of 
iir.  l.av.'rence)  and  thence  into  the  Atlantic  ocean. 

Wlicn  the  population  of  Nortli-America  shall  have  dif- 
fu.^ed  itself  toward  the  west,  the  banks  of  these  lakes  may 
becojiie  the  seats  of  flcurishing  cities. 

Numerous  other  lakes  of  smaller  extent  will  be  biiefiy 
described  in  the  course  of  this  work. 

Rivers.  Tha  Missisippi  with  its  eastern  branches,  wateis 
ilve  eighths  oi  the  territory  of  the  United  States,  and,  pre- 
vious to  the  purchase  of  Louisiana,  formed  their  western 
boundary.  It  rises  in  White  Bear  Lake,  lat.  48  J  5  N. 
and  about  24  22  \7.  Ion  and  empties  into  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico  by  several  mouths,  100  miles  below  Nev*--Orleans. 
It  is  navigable  to  the  falls  of  St.  /Anthony,  between  44  and 
■\'j°  N.  lat.  where  the  whole  river,  which  is  more  than  250 
yards  wide,  falls  perpendicularly  about  SO  feet,  forming  a 
•^riind  and  most  pleasing  cataract 

The  Missouri  rises  in  Louisiana  and  falls  into  the  Mis- 
sisippi 1160  miles  from  the  mouth  of  that  river,  in  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico.  It  is  siid  to  be  navigable  1300  miles, 
a!^d,  at  its  junction  with  the  Missisippi,  is  the  largest  of  the 
two  rivers. 

The  Ohio  is  a  most  beautiful  river,  separating  Ohio  state 
and  Indiana  and  lillinois  territories  from  Virginia  and 
Kentucky.  Its  current  is  gentle,  its  wafers  clear,  its  bo- 
som smo  )Lii  and  unbroken  by  rocks,  a  single  instance  ex- 
cepted ;\t  its  junction  with  the  Missisippi  it  is  about  900 
yards  wide. 


NORTH-AMERICA.  65 

St.  Lawrence  river  issues  from  Lake  Ontario,  forming 
an  nutlet  to  the  great  chain  of  lakes  already  described » 
It  takes  a  northeast  course,  and  meets  the  tide  upwards 
of  400  miles  from  the  sea.  Having  received  in  its  course 
several  laige  rivers,  and  innumerable  small  streams,  it 
empties  its  vast  body  of  water  into  the  Atlantic  ocean  at 
Cape  Rosieres,  by  a  mouth  00  miles  broad.  This  river 
may  be  classed  among  the  most  noble  in  the  world  ;  its 
waters  flow  more  tlian  2a0v)  miles  before  they  leach  the 
ocean  ;  its  commercial  advantages  increase  in  proportion 
to  the  settlements  on  its  banks 

There  are  many  other  large  rivers  in  North-Amerlca, 
as  Columbia,  which  empties  into  the  Pacific  ocean  in  lat. 
46  18  N.  on  the  northwest  coast;  the  Rio  Bravo,  which 
falls  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  ;  Albany,  Nelson,  and  Church- 
ill rivers,  which  empty  ixito  Hudson  Bay  ;  Copper  Mine 
and  McKenzie's  rivers,  which  empty  into  the  northern 
ocean  ;  and  others  which  fall  into  the  Pacific  ocean,  of 
which  little  is  yet  known,  bur  their  names. 

MountaiT^.  Between  the  x^tlantic.  the  Misslsippl,  and 
the  lakes,  is  a  long  cha  n  of  mountains,  made  up  of  a  num- 
ber ot  ridges  These  mountams  extend  northeasterly  and 
southwesterly,  nearly  parallel  t(^  the  sea- coast,  about  900 
miles,  and  are  from  GO  to  200  broad.  Tracts  of  fine  ara- 
ble and  grazing  land  intervene  between  these  ridges. 

These  mountains,  taken  collectively,  are  called  the  Al- 
legany mountains.  The  various  ridges  pass  by  different 
names,  as  the  Blue  Ridge,  the  North  Ridge,  the  Allegany 
Ridi^e,  the  Laurel  Ridge,  Jackson's  Mountains,  and  Kitta- 
linny  mountains.  All  these  ridges,  except  the  Allegany, 
are  separated  by  rivers,  which  appear  lo  have  forced  their 
way  through  solid  rocks. 

On  the  western  side  of  thi-s  coniiwent,  a  range  of  moun- 
tains proceeds  from  Mexico  in  a  northern  direction,  and 
joins  the  ridge  called  Stony  Mountains,  which  extend  near- 
ly to  the  Arctic  Ocean.  The  v*fltony  Mountains  are  said 
to  be  3.-7J0  feet  above  their  base,  which  is  probably  3000 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 

On  the  northeast,  Greenland,  Labrador,  and  tlie  coun- 
tries around  Hudson  Bay,  present  irregular  mahses,  cover- 
ed with  eternal  snows. 

On  the  western  coan  volcanoes  have  bcc.a  observed  by 
V  2 


66  NORTH-AMERICA. 

navigators ;  and  it  is  believed  that  one  or  two  have  for- 
merly existed  in  the  United  States. 

In  the  preceding  brief  description  of  the  seas,  lakes, 
rivers,  and  mountains  cf  North-America,  vt'ehave  noticed 
those  only,  which,  from  their  extent  and  magnitude,  could 
not  be  considered,  as  belonging  to  any  one  separate  divis- 
ion. Those  which  are  confined  within  the  limits  of  par- 
ticular states  or  territories  will  be  described  in  their  ap- 
propriate places. 

Productions.  When  North-Arserica  was  first  visited  by 
Europeans,  it  might  be  regarded,  except  Mexico,  as  one 
imme'use  forest,  inhabited  by  wild  animals,  and  by  a 
great  nurriber  of  savage  tribes,  who  subsisted  by  hunting 
and  fishing.  Many  of  the  vegetables  and  animals  were 
found  to  be  Oi  diiFerent  species  from  those  of  the  eld  world. 
A  vast  variety  of  the  pine  genus,  with  other  evergreen?, 
composed  a  large  share  of  the  forests,  AwA^g^ve  a  dark 
and  gloomy  hue  to  the  face  of  the  country.  The  larger 
animals  of  ch.ae  were  the  black  bear,  the  musk  ox,  the 
bufF'.Io.  the  mo;- -J  or  elk,  and  some  other  species  of  deer; 
the  smaller  kuKls,  valued  chiefly  for  their  fur,  were  ex- 
tremely numeious,  as  they  continue  to  be,  where  man  has 
not  encroached  upon  their  haunts.  The  beaver,  the  rac- 
oon, varieties  of  foxes,  many  species  of  the  weasel  genus, 
innumerable  squirrels,  the  ghitton,  the  porcupine,  several 
beasts  of  prey  of  the  Cdt  kind,  furnished  objects  for  all  the 
sagacity  and  activity  of  the  hunter. 

History.  Noilh- America  was  discovered  by  .John  Cab- 
ot,  a  Venetian,  wlio  obt:i'ned  a  grant  from  Hfniy  VII. 
of  England,  to  discover  nnknfwii  lands  and  annex  ll;!e.'^ 
to  the  crov.-ii.  In  1196,  lie  discovered  the  coast  of  Lab- 
ra.i  )r,  and  in  liOT,  Newfoundland  Island,  and  tra\ersed 
the  coast  from  thence  to  Cape  Florida. 

Other  European  powers  granted  patents  to  navigators, 
who  explored  the  continent  made  settlements,  and  laid 
claim  to  the  country  by  right  of  discovery. 

The  following  summaiy  view  exlnbiis  ^he  chronolopical 
order  in  which  the  first  ptrmaneac  setCiemeats  were  made 
;n  North-America, 


NORTH-AMjERICA. 


61 


Thames  cf  places, 
Mr-xico,     and     other  >     ^^ 

Spanish  dominions, 3 
vOuebcc, 
Virginia, 
Newfoundland,  June, 


TABLE. 

IVhsn  settUJ,  By  ijuhom, 

^21     By  the  Spaniards. 
1603     By  thfe  French. 


Me-.v-York,  7'    , 
vt        I  ?•  about 

New- Jersey.  5 

Plymouth, 

New-Hampshire, 

D-'l.uvire,  7 
1':.  ii^yiv  iiiia,^" 
M.usar'iu-eits  Bav, 

Aiarj'land, 

Connecticut, 

Rhoile-I-hiid, 
Soutli-Cirolinaj 

Penu.ylvania, 

Louisiana, 

North-Carolina,  about     1710 


1610     By  Lord  de  la  War. 

16 10     By  Governor  John  Guy. 

1612     By  tiie  Dutch. 

5  ^y  P'^'"'  °^  '^■"-  R<>^'"son'3  congrega- 
\      tiun. 
.  CBy  a  snail  English   colony,  near  the 
"^  \      m;  ath  of  Piscat^.qua  river. 

16'27     By  tlie  Swedes  and  Fins. 

IC'iS     By  Caf.t   J  F.ndicotand  Co. 

...  ^  By  Lord  B.dnmore,  with  a  colony  of 


I       Rom  in  Catholics. 
,  CByMr  Fenwick,  at   Saybrook,  near 

(       tiie  mouth  of  Connecticut  river. 
163,5     By  Mr  R  Williams,  and  hisfollowers. 
1669      By  Gov.  Sayle. 
,^-,^  \  By    William  Penn,  with  a  colony   of 

l_      Ou.ikers. 
1699     By  the  French. 

',  By  a  number  of  Palatines  from  Ger- 
X       many 

And  about     172S     F.rrcted  into  a  separate' government. 
Gcnrg'ia,  17.32      By  Genera!  O.dethorp. 

'i'cnnessee,  about  17.'^0     By  Col   Wood,  and  others. 

Kentucky,  1773     B\"  Col   Daniel  Boon 

Vermont,  about 

Oi.io. 


.  _  „  ,  C  By  emigrants  from  Connecticut,  an<J. 

<^      otiier  p-ft^  of   Ncw-Knii:.land. 
1787     By  the  Ohio  and  otiier  companies. 


Dlvisirjnf,  In  ihe  sub'^.eqiient  description  ot  the  North- 
Amcnc.in  contineiit.,  wl'  shall  coniide:  it  in  fo'jr  sepaiHte 
grand  divisions  And,  to  preserve,  jis  nearly  as  possible,  a 
rcgtii.ir  ;_;cograph;cal  itansition  from  one  province  to  an- 
oihcT,  shall  describe  ihcin  in  the  foilovving  oiuer  ; 

1.  Rus.MAN  Amirica,  embracing  the  ishir.ds  of  Spits- 
bergen, lying  N.  h  of  Greenland  ;  and  the  Monhv.esr 
Coa.st,  from  Poitlock  harbor  northward. 


68  ABORIGINAL  AMERICA. 

2.  Aboriginal  America,  or  Native  Tribes  and  uncon- 
quered  countries,  including  Greenland,  Labrador,  and 
the  Northwest  Coast. 

3.  British  America,  including  the  British  Provinces  oi> 
the  Continent,  and  the  islands  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Law- 
rence. 

4.  Independent  America,  or  the  United  States. 

5.  Spanish  America. 


RUSSIAN  AMERICA. 


SPITSBERGEN  consists  of  one  large  and  many  small- 
er islands,  lying  about  150  miles  E.  of  Greenland  It  \z 
a  fiozen,  barren  spot,  uninhabited  and  is  a  meie  resting 
place  for  fishermen. 

Tlie  Northwest  Co^st  claimed  by  the  Russians,  extends 
from  Portlock  harbor,  between  N  '.at  58"  and  59°  north- 
ward about  '2500  miles,  including  the  islands  on  the  coast. 
1'he  number  of  natives,  who  professed  obedience  to  the 
P-Ussian  government,  m  1784,  according  to  SheiikofF,  was^ 
50,000.  Ul  the  Sfttlements  on  this  coast,  contain,  ac* 
cording  to  Hassel,  SCO  Inhabitants. 


ABORIGINAL  AMERICA. 


UNDER  this  general  head,  we  include  all  that  vast 
portion  of  the  /American  continent,  which  lies  north  and 
west  of  the  British  Provinces  and  the  territory  oftheUnit^- 
ed  States,  extending  northward  to  the  north  pole,  and 
westward  to  the  Pacific  ocean.  Our  knowledge  of  ths 
various  nations  and  tribes  inhabiting  this  imn;ense  tract,  is 
not  such  as  to  admit  of  very  minute  descriptinns,  or  eiven 
to  pursue  a  perfect  regularity  in  the  arrangement.  W& 
shall  commeace  with  the  northeily  part?. 


GREENLAND.  66 


GREENLAND. 


UNDER  the  appellation  of  Greenland  Is  comprehended 
an  anr^ular  tract,  the  southern  point  of  which,  named 
C;ipe  Farewell,  lies  in  Che  60th  degree  of  north  latitude. 
Its  two  sides,  eastern  and  western,  extend  to  an  indetermi- 
nate distance  northward,  and  little  more  than  the  coasts 
have  ever  been  explored. 

Climate.  Greenland  may,  with  propriety,  be  called  the 
empire  of  continual  winter.  The  cold  is  so  piercing  in 
February  and  March,  that  the  rocks  split.  Ice  and  frost 
penetrate  through  the  chimneys,  without  being  thawed  by 
the  tire  in  the  day  time. 

Their  short  summer,  which  begins  in  June,  and  close? 
in  August  or  September,  is  very  warm,  but  foggy.  Dur- 
ing the  summer,  there  is  no  night  in  the  country.  Beyond 
tlie  (J6:h  degree,  the  sun  does  not  set  in  the-  longest  days. 
In  winier,  tae  days  are  proportionably  short.  The  north* 
em  iit;;hts  diversify  the  gloomy  winter. 

G:'n£ra!  .'appearance  and  Productions.  Tlie  land  rises  into 
high,  rugg?d  peiks,  either  black  and  naked,  or  incrusted 
with  ice  and  snow.  In  the  scnthern  parts,  there  is  a  scan- 
ty and  puny  vegetation  of  trees,  sh;  ubs,  grass,  and  plants. 

jinimals.  The  quadrupeds  are  rein-deer,  dogs  resem- 
bling wolves,  arctic  foxe?,  white  hares,  polar  bears,  and 
wolverenes.  Birds  of  prey  and  sta  fowl  are  numerous, 
and  the  shores  are  frequented  by  the  walrus,  and  several 
species  of  seais,  The^c  and  the  hsh,  constitute  the  riches 
of  .!ie  country,  and  the  chief  sustenance  of  the  poor  na- 
tives. 

Inhabitants.  The  Greenlanders  are  a  branch  of  the  Es- 
quiinaux,  of  small  stature,  ignorant,  superstitious,  and 
squalid,  but  harmless,  and  ingenious  in  the  construction  of 
their  canoes  and  fishing  utensils  In  their  light  skiffs, 
midQ  of  skins,  extended  by  ribs  and  covered  with  a  mem- 
brane, which  draws  close  about  their  bodies,  furnished 
with  a  nicely  constructed  dart  and  line,  and  clothed  in 
water  proof  garments,  they  will  paddle  single  to  the  great- 


70  GREENLAND. 

est  monsters  of  the  deep,  attack,  and  generally  succeed  in 
making  them  their  prey.  This  life  of  hardship,  however, 
keeps  their  numbers  small  ;  and  the  perils  of  the  ocean, 
and  inclemencies  of  the  climate  bring  many  to  an  untime- 
ly end.  I'Jie  Danish  government  have  a  colony  of  6100 
souls,  planted  in  this  country.*  The  natives,  in  174-3, 
were  estimated  at  24', 000. 

Relni'ion.  Wiih  respect  to  religion,  the  Greenlandcrs 
are  said  to  believe  in  the  doctrine  of  the  transmigration  of 
souls,  and  their  notions  concerning  a  future  state  are  very' 
singular  and  romantic.  The  Moravians  and  the  Danes 
supprrt  missionaries  at  Ijichicnau,  New-Hernhut  and 
Lichtenfels,  in  Greenland  ;  and  their  labors  have  been  at- 
tended with  great  success. 

History.  It  h.A^  already  been  mentioned,  that  Green- 
land was  discovered  and  colonized  by  the  Norwegians, 
abcut  the  year  982.  'i'his  colony  bestowed  on  the  coun- 
try the  name  of  Greenland,  which  indicates  thnt  it  appear- 
ed a  land  of  verdure  to  men  who  were  accustomed  lo 
nouhern  sterility.  They  were  convened  to  Christianity 
by  a  missionary,  sent  thither  by  the  celebrated  Oiaf,  the 
first  Norwec^ian  monarch,  who  en. braced  the  Lhiinian  re- 
iigion. 

After  flounsh:ng  so  much,  as  to  possess  clmrches  and 
inonasrr^rics,  and  even  a  Crtthed'  ii  arid  a  .succession  (f  bish- 
ops, the  colony  sunk  under  famine  and  dii-er^ses,  and  left 
fiVv'  traces  of  iis former  exisience.  N  ivigaw^r-:,  ar.d  wliale- 
men  made  occasional  visits  to  ih.'  western  cr^isis,  and  the 
D;uies  established  a  commerce  wiih  the  natives  ;  but  no 
attempts  v/ere  made  to  colonize,  till  a  Lu;ii.'ran  clergy- 
man or  Norway,  named  Egede,  inspired  by  an  ardt.'nt 
zeal  for  communicating  the  benefits  of  tl:t;  Christian  re- 
ligion and  civilization  to  this  d^^scrted  country,  repaired, 
in  1751,  to  the  western  coast,  with  a  few  settlers,  and  em- 
ployed miany  years  in  his  pious  labors.  The  cause  was 
taken  up  by  the  society  of  Hernhatters,  or  Moravians, 
and  afterwards  by  the  Danes,  with  success  ;  and  several 
settlem.ents  have  been  formed  by  them,  and  peopled  witJ: 
converted  nations,  whose  condition  has  been  8;reatly  im- 
proved by  their  efforts. 

♦  Hassel'3  Tables. 


LABRADOR  AND  HUDSON  BAY.         71 


LABRADOR  AND  HUDSON  BAY, 

Situation,  Extent  y  Names.  LABRADOR  is  an  extensive 
territory,  lying  between  the  east  const  of  Hudson  Bay  and 
the  Atlantic  ocean,  and  extending  from  48  to  63  degrees 
north  latitude. 

The  parts  on  the  west  and  south  of  the  Bay,  extending 
inland  to  an  indeterminate  distance,  have  been  denominated 
New  North  Wales,  and  New  South  Wales.  On  the  north, 
the  bay  is  bounded  by  unexplored  regions. 

The  whole  of  these  countries,  taken  collectively,  lie  be- 
tween 4S  and  70  dei^rees  north  latitude,  8.50  miles  long, 
and  750  broad,  and  are  sometimes  called  by  the  general 
name  of  New-Britain  ;  a  name,  however,  which  has 
not  been  admitted  into  maps.  I'hey  are  also  called  the 
country  of  the  Esf^uiMAUx  ;  these  people  being  the  na- 
tive inhabitants  oi^the  shores  of  Hudson  Bay. 

Climate.  As  dismal  and  frozen  as  these  regions  are,  they 
are  becoming  still  more  cold  and  intolerable.  It  is  a  sin- 
gular, but  well  established  fact,  that,  v/hile  other  c'.imes 
are  becoming  more  mild,  the  northern  part  of  America  is 
becoming  more  inhospitable.  The  cold  is  much  more  se- 
vere, than  in  the  corre'^ponding  latitudes  on  the  Europe- 
an continent.  Even  in  latitude  57',  the  ice  on  the  rivers 
is  eight  feet  thick,  and  brandy  coagulates.  The  rocks 
burst  with  a  horrible  noise,  equal  to  tliat  of  heavy  aitille- 
ry,  and  the  splinters  are  thrown  to  an  ama/.ing  distance. 

Mock  suns  and  halos  are  frequent  in  these  northern  cli- 
mates ;  the  sun  rises  and  sets  with  a  large  cone  of  yellow- 
ish light.  The  aurora  borealis  diffuses  a  variegated  splen- 
dor, which  equals  that  of  the  full  moon  ;  and  the  stars 
sparkle  wrih  a  fiery  redness  In  the  sh.ortest  day,  the  sun 
rises  about  five  minutes  after  nine,  and  sets  ave  nilnuies 
before  three. 

Face  of  iLd  Country  The  eastern  coast  is  h:irrpn,  past 
the  eir.)ris  of  cultivation.  The  suiface  i;  every  where  un- 
even, and  covered  with  masses  of  stone  :  the  vaiiies  are 
full  of  lakes,  formed  of  ram  and  snow,  so  'hilly  as  to  be 
productive  only  of  a  tew  small  trout.  The  mountains  have 


12         LABRADOR  AND  HUDSON  BAY. 

here  and  there  a  blighted  shrub,  or  a  l.Ittle  moss.  In  some 
places  there  are  a  few  crooked,  stunted  trees,  as  pines,  fir, 
birch,  and  a  species  of  juniper. 

Labrador  produces  a  beautiful  erridescent  felspar,  called 
Labrador  stone,  said  to  have  been  first  discovered,  in  sail- 
ing through  some  lakes,  wher^  itsbiight  hues  were  reflect- 
ed from  the  water. 

Animals.  The  animals  of  this  countiy  are  the  moose, 
deer,  stag,  rein-deer,  bears,  tigers,  otter.s,  martens,  lynxes, 
wild  cats,  and  hares.  The  eastern  coast  presents  nume- 
rous islands,  covered  with  flocks  of  sea  fowl,  particularly 
cider  ducks.  It  is  a  surprising  phenomenon,  that  most  of 
the  beasts  and  fowls  of  these  regions,  though  of  different 
colors  in  summer,  are  all  white  in  the  winter. 

Inhabitants  and  Religion.  The  inhabitants  among  the 
mountains  aie  Indians  ;  along  the  coasts,  they  are  Esqui- 
maux, the  same  sort  of  people  with  the  Greenlnndcrs,  and 
the  Laj-^pes  and  Samceids  of  Europe.  The  Esquimaux 
are  a  dwarfish  race,  with  long,  b^ack  hair,  small  eyes, 
and  flat  faces.  The  Moravians  have  missionaries  establish- 
ed at  (Jkkak  Nain,  and  H"pe  I  )aie  In  tliis  cold  and  drea- 
ry country,  they  are  pursuing  their  labors,  among  the  poor 
Esquimaux,  with  "  increasing  joy  and  thankfulness."* 

Histf,ryy  Settlements,  Iffc  Labrador  was  discovered  about 
the  year  \5h5,  by  Frobisher,  who  also  discovered  the 
strait  which  bears  his  name. 

Hudion  Bay  was  discovered  by  an  English  navigator 
of  that  name,  m  16I0.  The  coast  of  this  bay,  as  well 
as  the  extensive  region  of  Labrador,  cannot  be  reckoned  as  ' 
occupied  by  Europeaii  settlers.  Ti;ereare,  however,  some 
factories  or  trading  p(  sts,  belonging  to  the  Hudson  liay 
company,  which  was  established  in  ]670,  for  the  purpos- 
ses  of  commerce  an.'  plantation.  These  are  Aibany-Fort 
and  Moose-Fort,  i>n  .Tanie,>  Bay  ;  which  is  the  soiuh>.-rn  ex- 
ttemity  of  Hudson  Bay  ;  Severn-house,  at  the  m(  nth  of 
Severn-river;  York  Fort,  on  Nflcn's  river  ;  and  Cl.urch- 
ill-Fort  on  Churchill  river,  which  is  the  most  northerly  of 
their  posts.  'Jli^se  are  only  houses  ii. habited  by  the  ser- 
vants of  the  com.pany,  who  trade  with  the  natives  for  furs, 
which  are  often  brought  from  great  distances  within  land. 
•  Periodical  accoujits  of  >^eJBrc;hrcu,  No.  39. 


^'mrERIOR  COUtifRIEiS. 


n- 
T* 


INTERIOR  COUNTRIJgj^. 

CONCERNING  the  Inlerior  paits  of  N^ith- Amcvic;!, 
little  wfts  known,  till  the  dliiicult  and  laboril^TW  rntei  piiscs 
of  Mr.  Mackenzie',  peifoinicd  in  ITSOand  i*9S.  Previou;^ 
to  these  however,  Mr.  Hearnc  had  tollowod  Copper-Mine 
river  northward  to  the  Arctic  Ocean.  The  slioies  of  this 
river  were  inhabited  by  Esquimaux. 

Mr.  Mackenzie,  embarF;ed  at  Fort  Chepewyan.  on  the 
Lake  of  the  Hills,  i^  latitude  SS'""  40'  north,  lon|^iuide  i  10 
liO  west,  in  a  canoe  ot  hircli  !)ark,  with  ten  associates.  His 
course  ^vas  nortliwesterly  to  stek  tlil  Arctic  Ocean.  Moun- 
tains and  vaHies,  dreary  wa^tci;,  and  wide  spreading  for- 
ests,  succeed  each  other  in  his  description.  Small  bandi 
of  v.'andering  savages  were  the  only  people  he  discovered. 

After  leaving  the  Lake  of  the  Hills,  he  entered  Slave 
river,  from  which  he  passed  to  Slave  lake',  near  latitude  61 
and  G2  north,  and  longitude  1 10  to  120  west.  The  coi^n- 
iry  around  wears  a  barren  aspect,  but  produces  berries, 
large  trees  of  spruce,  pine  and  white  birch. 

From  this  lake,  he  entered  a  river,  which  he  called  Mac- 
kenzie's river,  a  deep  and  spacious  stream.  On  its  banks 
he  found  encampments  of  Knistineaux  Indians,  a  wander- 
1^  ing  tribe,  spread  over  a  vast  extent  of  country.  Tlieir  lan- 
guage is  the  same  as  that  of  the  natives  on  the  waters  of 
the  St  Lawrence,  and  tlie  coast  of  Labrador.  They  are 
of  a  moderate  stature,  well  proportioned,  and  active,  'Iheu- 
dress  is  simple  ;  tiieir  countenance  open,  and  their  eyes 
black.     'I'heir  women  are  the  most  comely  of  savages. 

The  otlicr  principal  tribes,  inhabiting  the  west  side  of 
Mackenzie's  river,  fiom  Slave  lake,  aie  ihc  Stiong-bovv?, 
Mountain,  and  Hare  Indians;  tho'c  on  th.c  east  aie  the 
Bfaver,  Inland,  Nathana,  and  Quarrelers. 

After  proceeding  down  this  river  to  latllude  6f)°  I',  ho 
reached  tlie  tide  waters  of  the  Frozen  Ocean  ;  but,  in  the 
middle  of  July,  was  unable  to  proceed  further,  on  account 
of  the  ice.  He  returned  to  Cl)epev/y;'.n  fort,  after  an  ab- 
sence of  lO'J  days. 
(; 


74    .  INTERIOR  COUNTRIES.' 

In  October,  1792,  he  proceeded  on  a  voyage  to  the 
North  Pacific  Ocean.  From  the  Lake  of  the  Hills,  he 
ascended  Peace  river,  which  is  a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide. 
The  lands  on  this  river  are  low  and  rich,  inhabited  by  the 
Beaver  and  Mountain  Indians.  Tliese  people  are  said  to 
be  in  the  lowest  state  of  debasement,  and  are  a  barbarous 
race  of  beings.  The  women  perform  all  the  drudgeries. 
Their  liabitattons  are  formed  by  setting  up  a  number  of 
poles,  united  at  the  top,  and  forming  a  circle  of  12  or  '5 
feet  diameter  at  the  bottom.  These  are  coveied  with 
dressed  skins. 

In  the  mountains,  which  separate  the  waters  of  the  At- 
lantic and  Paciiic  oceans,  are  several  chasms,  which  emit 
smoke  and  fire,  and  a  sulphureous  smelK 

Finding  the  streams  of  the  west  didnot  tend^irectly  to 
the  sea,  Mr.  Mackenzie  proceeded  by  land  for  a  consider-  ^ 
fible  time.  As  he  advanced  nearer  the  coast,  the  settle- 
ments of  the  nitives  were  more  numerous  and  permanent ; 
the  manner  of  living  more  comfortable,  and  the  state  of 
society  improved.  The  people  were  hospitable  ;  they  ap- 
pearcd  to  have  stated  seasons  for  public  and  private  wor- 
ship, and  had  temples  decorated  with  hieroglyphics. 

In  latitude  52"  2P  33"  north,  'and  longicude  i2S°  2' 
west,  Mr.  Mackenzie  reached  the  Pacific  ocean  ;  and  in- 
scribed his  name  on  a  rock  by  the  shore. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  enumerate   all   the  tribes  of 
Indians  inhabiting  the  interior  parts   of  North- America. 
Their  modes  of  hunting  and  warfare,  their  cruelty  to  their  ^^ 
prisoners,    the   sinj^ulaiities  of  scajping,  ar  d  olhcr  ^frrfr/?/ ^' 
characteristics,   have  been  frequently  described,   and  are 
gene:  ally  known. 

Captiiins  Clark  and  Lewis,  with  a  select  and  v.ell  fur- 
nished company,  in  the  years  1&05  and  ISCb",  paiscd  up 
;he  Missiouii  river  and  thence  to  the  Pacific  ocean,  i'SBo 
miles,  under  the  auspices,  and  at  the  expense,  of  the  gov- 
iM-nment  of  tlic  Unlttcl  Sia'.e?. 

A  privi'te  cf.T.pany  pa:'"ed  from  the  moulh  of  Colum- 
bia river,  to  i!:e  Misjis'-pps  rn  a  {tifFcrcnt  rout,  in  1815*' 


NORTHWEST  COAST. 


NORTHWEST  COAST. 


Ti^E  counlry  of  the  northwest  part  of  .America,  iying 
ff-n  the  Pacific  ocean,  ami  ex!:ending  south  nearly  to  the 
SOth  degree  of  north  latitude,  is  known  by  the  genera: 
name  of  The  Northwest  Coast. 

Accordin:^  to  the  accounts  of  various  navigators,  tiiese 
regions,  with  littie  deviation,  have  the  appearance  of  con- 
tinued forestb,  being  covered  with  pinei,  alder,  birch,  and 
various  kindi  of  underwood.  Tht;  vallicb  anii  plains  pro- 
dace  CUM  ants,  goosberries,  raspberries,  and  numeroa.; 
li  jwering  shrubs. 

The  climate  on  tliis  side  of  America  is  mildtr  than  that 
on  the  eastern,  in  the  same  latitudes.  South  of  4-5  degreeij 
it  is  said  to  be  one  of  the  Hnest  climates  in  the  world. 

On  the  coast  are  many  spacious  bays,  commodious  har- 
bors, and  mouths  of  navigable  rivers,  among  v.hich  Noot- 
ka  sound,  Admiralty  Bay,  Fort  Mulgrave,  Prince  Wil- 
liam's Souad,  and  Cn^^k's  inlet,  are  the  piincipal.  The 
peninsula  of  Alaska,  extending  westward  beiv.'een  Bristol 
Bay  and  Prince  William's  sound,  is  the  most  vresterly  point 
of  the  continent  of  America. 

The  coast  is  inhabited  by  numerous,  but  small  tribes  of 
Indians  :  each  tribe  is  independent,  and  governed  by  its 
own  chief.  Tliey  diff/r  from  each  other  in  language  and 
customs,  and  are'frequentlyat  war.  Their  most  singular 
practice  is  that  of  slitting  the  under  lip,  so  as  to  give  them 
lilt;  appearance  of  liaving  two  mouths.  Some  of  tlie^e 
tribes  disguise  thcmselvjs,  after  the  manner  of  the  ancient 
Scythians;  in  skins  of  wild  beasts,  with  the  heads  and  limbs 
htted  on  their  own.  These  habits  they  use  in  the  cha;e, 
to  circumvent  the  animals  of  the  field. 

The  number  of  inhabitants  on  this  coast  is  unknown  ; 
but  it  is  supposed  there  are  not  more  than  ten  thousand, 
from  Nootka  sound  to  Cook's  inlet,  an  extent  of  1000 
miles.  The  English  liave  a  sm.all  colony  at  Nootka 
sound.  A  colony  from  the  United  States  and  Canada  is 
about  to  be  e':tabllshed  at  the  mouih  of  Columbia  rivei. 


TG  NORTHERN  ARCHIPELAGO. 

Tiie  principal  liver  that  has  been  observed  on  this  coasti 
is  Columbia  river,  called  also  the  Oregon,  or  Great  River 
of  the  West,  whicli  enters  the  ocean  in  4G°  18'  north  lat- 
itude.     It  is  half  a  mile  wide,  20  miles  from  its  mouth. 

The  chief  object  of  civilized  nations  in  navigating  this 
coass  is  to  traffic  with  the  natives  for  furs,  which  they  give 
in  exchaiK^^e  for  pieces  of  iron,  nails,  beads,  knives,  and 
other  trifimg  trinkets.  The  skins  obtained,  are  those  of 
ilie  sea  otter,  racoon,  pine  marten,  land  beaver,  mam- 
mot,  &c. 

The  Russians  were  the  first  discoverers  of  the  Nortliwest 
Coast  of  America.  In  i7-H,  the  celebrated  navigator 
B'.?er!ng  was  despatched  by  his  government  to  make  discov- 
eries on  the  east  co  "st  of  Asia.  H-.-  sailed  throusjli  the 
^rraif;,  nov/  called  ny  his  name,  wh'ch  part  the  Asiatic 
and  Ame;  lean  continents.  He  passed  down  the  north- 
v.-est  coast  of  Anierica,  as  far  as  latitude  58"  north.  Mount 
St.  Elias,  and  B.^e.ing's  bay  were  so  called  by  him.  'i'he 
disco;  eiies;  and  repoits  of  those  who  accompanied  him 
Induced  many  individuals  to  embark  in  the  fur  trade, 
which  is  now  prosecuied,  by  several  nations,  with  great 
succeis, 


THE  NORTHERN  ARCHIPELAGO, 


CONSISTING  cf  sevei-al  groups  of  islands,  situated 
ij'jtv.een  tlie  eastern  coast  of  Kamtschatka  in  Asia,  and 
the  v^•estern  coa:;t  of  America,  may  properly  be  noticed  in 
rliis  place. 

The  T;  ;•:  Iclands,  one  of  the  principal  groups,  are  so 
called  from  t:ie  qrcat  number  ot  black,  grey,  and  red  fox- 
es, with  which  they  abound.  T'ley  are  all  fiequented  on 
account  of  their  valuable  furs. 

The  most  perfect  equality  is  said  to  re'gn  among  these 
Inlanders.  Tln'y  live  in  the  primitive  patriarchal  manner  ; 
and  every  person  looks  uj->on  Ills  island  as  a  possession,  the 
}>r()perty  of  which  is  common  to  all  the  individuals  ol  the 
r.  rr.c  society.      In  case  of  an  attack;  th^  societies  mutually 


fiimSH  AMEiliCA.  7? 

issist  each  other.  Feasts  are  very  common  among  thern, 
particularly  when  the  inhabitants  of  one  island  are  visited 
by  those  of  another.  They  are  i  i.'jM  evented  as  cold  and  in- 
different in  most  of  their  actions  ;  but  easily  depressed  by 
affliction,  and  much  addicted  to  suicide,  putting  an  end  to 
their  days  with  great  apparent  insensibility.  ^ 


BRITISH  AMERICA. 


THE  British  possessions  in  North  America  are  divided 
into  four  provinces,  viz.  1.  Upper  Canada  ;  2.  Lower 
Canada;  3.  New- Brunswick  ;  4.  Nova-Scotia.  Besides 
these  provinces,  the  islands  of  Newfoundland,  St.  John's, 
Cape  Breton,  and  several  smaller  ones  in  the  Gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence,  belong  to  the  British  dominions. 

British  America  is  superintended  by  an  ofiicer,  styled 
Governor  General  of  the  four  British  provinces  in  North- 
America,  v/ho  is  commander  in  chief  of  all  the  British 
troops  in  the  four  provinces  and  the  islands.  Each  prov- 
ince has  a  lieutenant  governor,  who,  in  the  absence  of  tho 
governor  general,  has  all  the  powers  requisi':e  to  a  chief 
magistrate,  so  far  as  respecis  his  particular  province. 

The  British  settleinents,  in  all  North  Anierica,  accord- 
ing to  Hassel,  contain  only  SSij^OO  inhabitants.  I'his 
estimate  is  much  below  their  real  number. 

We  shall  take  a  separate  view  of  each  of  these  provir.ces 
arid  islands,. beginning  wiih 


UPPER  CANADA, 


o'ltualioni  Bryunclarics,  Extent.  THE  province  of  Upper 
Canada,  formerly  called  the  upper  country,  extends  from 
4-2"  J'jO'  to  52"  aC  north  latitude ;  and  fror.i  74^  to  97° 
W.  Ion.  Its  length  is  1090  miles.  Its  breadth  from  nonh 
to  south  is  about  52.5  miles.  It  is  bounded  so:'.,h  by  the 
Lnited  States,  east  by  Lower  Canada,  rorth  by  "iew-Brl- 
tain,  west  by  Detroit  river,  lakes  St.* Clair  and  Winnepco, 
G  2 


78  UPPER  CANADA. 

Divisions.  This  province  is  divided  into  19  coiintJeh^ 
which  are  subdivided  into  tov/nships,  generally  12  miles 
long  by  9  bioad. 

Pace  of  the.  Country,  Soil,  Iffc.  This  country,  in  general 
may  be  called  level  ;  in  many  parts  it  is  but  little  elevated 
above  the  lakes.  There  are  many  swamps  :  but  where 
lhe*land  is  dry  it  is  good,  and  some  of  it  excellent.  In 
the  vicinity  of  Lake  Superior  and  the  Lake  of  the  Woods, 
are  extensive  plains,  destitute. of  wood,  excepting  scattered 
tufts  of  trees.  These  plains  are  covered  with  luxuriant 
grasses  aiTording  subsistence  to  immense  herds  of  buffa- 
loes. 

Productions.  Wheat,  Indian  corn,  and  flax,  are  produc- 
ed here  in  great  abundance.  Hops,  grapes,  and  various 
sorts  of  berries,  are  the  spontaneous  productions  of  the 
country.  ,   . 

Iron  ore  has  been  found  In  great  quantres,  but  little  of 
it  has  lieen  v\-rought. 

Lakes.  These  are  numerous,  Tiie  great  lakes  Ontario, 
Erie^  Huron,  and  6'.v/';r/5r,  tlirough  which  passes  the  north- 
ern boundary  of  the  United  States,  all  lie  partly  in  this 
province.  The  other  most  considerable  lakes  are  the  Rice 
Lake,  Lake  Ssnicoe,  Nippising,  and  Temiscanning. 

Rivers:  The  liver  St.  Lawicrce,  already  described,  is- 
sues from  Ontario,  in  this  province.  Ottawas  is  a  large 
river,  issuing  from  lake  Temlscannin~,  and  empties  into 
the  St.  Lawrence.  Grand  River  has  its  source  in  Lake  St, 
Clie,  and,  passing  tlirough  Rice  Lake,  mingles  with  the 
vaiers  of  Ontario.  The  Thames,  a  considerable  stream, 
:uns  into  Lake  St.  Ciafrfrom  tlie  eastward.  Niagara  riv- 
er, on  which  is  the  cataract,  hereafter  described,  connects' 
the  lakes  Erie  and  Ontario.  It  is  about  SO  miles  in  length 
and  forms  a  part  of  the  boundary  between  the  United 
States  and  Canada.  All  the  waters  of  this  province  are 
richly  stored  with  Hsh. 

Springs.  There  are  several  salt  springs  in  this  country, 
fi  cm  some  of  which  sak  is  made. 

Two  miles  above  the  Niagara  Falls  is  a  spring,  which 
constantly  emits  a  j^i7j-,  or  inflammable  air,  which,  being 
;.onfined  in  a  pipe,  will  boil  water  in  fifteen  minutes. 

Curicsilies.  Besides  the  above  mentioned  spring,  which 
snight,  perhaps,  v.-ith  propriety,  be  mentioned  under  thi? 


IJPPER  CANADA. 


rt 


head,  the  Falls  of  Niagara  river  are  the  greatest  and 
most  sublime  curiosity,  which  this  or  any  niher  country  af-* 
fords.  They  are  7  or  8  miles  soutli  of  iake  Ontario.  The' 
river  here  is  about  742  yards  wide,  and  pitches  over  a  rock 
150  feet  in  perpendicular  height.  The  uoise  produced  by 
thiscataract  is  sometimes  heaid  iO  or  30  miles.  A  heavy 
fog  is  constantly  ascending  from  the  falls,  in  which  rain- 
bows may  always  be  seen  when  the  sun  shines.  There  is 
sufficient  space  between  the  perpendicular  rock  and  the 
column  of  water  for  people  to  pass  in  perfect  safety. 

Near  Burlington  bay  is  a  voicano,  subject  to  frequent  e- 
ruptions,  with  a  noise  like  thunder.  The  Indians  sacrifice 
to  the  Bad  Spirit  at  this  place. 

Towns,  'rhere  are  no  very  large  towns  in  this  province. 
Newark,  on  the  west  bank  of  Niagara  river,  near  lake  On- 
taiio,  contains  about  60  houses  and  two  churches  for  Epis- 
copalians and  Presbyterians, 

Queenston,  7  miles  above  Newark-  and  Kingston,  at  the 
head  of  St.  Lawrence,  on  Lake  Ontario,  have  good  har- 
bors, and  are  places  of  great  trade. 

York  is  situated  on  a  fine  harbor  of  Lake  Ontario,  in 
latitude  ^S^  4.5'  north,  longitude  4°  w^est.  It  contains  be- 
tween two  and  three  hundred  families,  and  is  the  present 
seat  of  government. 

Population.  In  180G  the  inhabitants  were  estimated  at 
30,000.  chiefly  emigrants  from  the  United  States 

Government.  The  government  of  this  province  consists 
of  a  governor,  legislative  council,  and  house  of  assembly, 
chosen  for  four  years  by  the  people  ;  they  meet  annually 
in  May  for  the  purpose  of  legislation.  I'iie  province  is 
not  subject  to  t.\xation  by  the  British  parliament ;  and  ihe 
whole  expense  of  the  civil  establishment  is  borne  by  the 
government  of  England. 

V/eekly  couits  aie  held  by  two  justices  of  ijie  peace 
through  the  province.-  t\  district  coui  t  is  Jield  every  three 
months  in  which  one  judge  presides,  /another  court  is 
held  by  a  chief  justice,  and  two  associate  judges,  v/ho  make 
an  annual  circuit  through  the  province.  I'he  people  regu- 
late all  local  iTjatters  in  the  towns,  as  in  the  United  Slates, 

Militia.  The  militia  in  the  scver.il  dittricts  meet  annu- 
ally. All  male  inhabitants,  excepting  Frii-nds  and  i>len- 
jioui^Js,  from  sixteen  to  forty-five,  bear  uims. 


m  LOWER  CANAt)A. 

Religion.  Methodism  is  the  prevailing  religion  of  ijp^ 
per  Canada.  There  are  settled  clergymen  in  some  of  the 
principal  places  ;  but,  fur  the  greater  part,  the  country  is 
destitute  of  regular  religious  teachers,  and  many  of  the  in- 
habitants appear  to  have  no  religion. 

History.  The  country  was  constituted  a  province^  by 
an  act  of  the  British  parliament,  in  1791. 


LOWER  CANADA, 


Boundaries,  Siluation,  Extent.  BOUNDED  on  the  noitfe 
by  the  coast  of  Hudson  bay  and  Labrador,  east  by  Lab- 
rador and  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  southeast  and  south 
by  New- Brunswick  and  the  United  Stales,  west  by  Upper 
Canada.  It  lies  between  45  and  5ii  degrees  north  latitude, 
and  between  61  and  71  degrees  west  longitude,  800  miles 
long  ;  its  average  breadth  250. 

jjivisions.  This  province  is  divided  into  six  districts, 
which  are  subdivided  into  21  counties,  and  these  into 
townships,  or  parishes. 

Climate.  Winter  continues  Iiere  with  such  severity  fiom 
December  to  April,  that  the  largest  rivers  are  frozen  over. 
The  snow  is  commonly  from  four  to  six  feet  deep  during 
the  winter.  But  the  air  is  so  seiene  and  clear,  and  the 
inhabitants  so  well  defended  against  the  cold,  that  this  sea- 
son is  neither  unhealthy  nor  unpleasant.  The  spring  opens 
suddenly  and  vegetation  is  surpjisingly  rapid.  The  sum- 
mer is  delightful,  except  that  a  part  of  it  is  extremely  hot. 

Face  of  the  Country.  The  country  is  generally  mountain- 
ous and  woody.  The  forests  never  attain  to  the  luxuri- 
ant growih  of  warmer  climates.  Evergreens  form  the 
largest  portion  of  their  woods.  The  other  trees  are  ma- 
ple, birch,  and  elm. 

Pr'oductions.  Notwithstanding  the  coldness  of  the  climate, 
the  soil  is  fertile  in  many  parts  ;  producing  wheat,  barley, 
rye,  and  many  other  sorti  of  gram,  fruits,  and  vegetables. 
The  meadow  grounds  yield  excellent  grass,  und  feed  grea*- 
iiumbers  of  CHtUe, 


LOWER  CANADA.  Si 

Lahs!  ami  Rivers.  The  principal  of  these  have  aheady 
been  mentioned  The  St.  Lawrence  passes  through  this 
province,  and  falls  into  the  ocean  by  a  mouth  90  miles 
broad,  in  which  is  the  island  Anticosti. 

PcJ>:('a:wn.  The  province  of  Lower  Canada  contained, 
in  17S1',  113,0I2souls.  In  iSOo,  150,000  ;  and  in  1811, 
they  were  estimated  ac  between  200,000  and  300,000. 

Rfli^^lofi.  Nine  tenths  of  the  inhabitants  of  Lower  Can- 
ada arc  Romaii  Carliolics ;  the  rest  are  Episcopalians, 
Prcsbyteii.ins,  and  a  few  of  almost  every  sect  of  Christians. 

Manncrj  and  Customs.  These  are  coi'isiderably  tinctured 
with  French  gaiety  and  urbanity.  Tlie  Fiench  women 
in  Lower  Canada  can  generally  read  and  write,  and  are 
tlius  superior  to  the  men  ;  but  both  are  sunk  in  ignoiance 
aad  SLi:)o:sti:ion,  and  blmdly  devoted  to  their  priests. 
Tl:e  French  language  is  spc^ken,  except  by  seitlers  from 
Great  Britain  and  the  United  States. 

To'-cviis.  QurB;  c  is  tiie  capital  of  this  province,  and  of 
all  British  America,  being  the  residence  of  the  governor- 
general  It  is  situated  ai  the  conllnence  of  the  St  Law- 
rence  and  St.  Charles  or  Little  river,  '620  miles  from  the 
sea.  It  contained,  in  1806,  15,000  inhabitants,  two  thirds 
•of  whom  were  French.  A  large  garrison  is  supported  here. 
The  houses  are  commonly  built  <jf  stone,  small,  ugly,  and  In- 
convenient. The  market  is  well  supplied,  and  the  little  carts 
are  frequently  drawn  by  dogs.  T.he  river  he.re  is  four  or 
five  leagues  broad,  a:id  the  haven,  opposite  the  tovv'n,  is  safe 
and  commodiou").  This  city  was  taken  !jy  the  British  in 
1751,  when  general  Wolfe,  wlio  commanded  the  army  of 
the  besiegers,  lost  his  life.  In  December,  1775  it  was  at- 
tacked by  the  Aiiierican  army,  under  the  brave  general 
Montgomery,  who  .vas  slain,  and  his  army  repulsed. 

Llontieal  the  second  city  in  rank,  stands  on  an  island 
in  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  170  miles  above  Quebec,  and 
.'i08  north  by  west  of  Boston.  It  contained  in  1809,  16,000 
inhabitants. 

M:mufactuyes  and  Commerce.  Tne  exports  consist  of 
wheat.  Hour,  biscuit,  flax-seed,  lumber,  fish,  potash,  oil, 
ginseng,  an'l  other  medicinal  roots  and  herbs,  but  chiefly 
of  furs,  and  peltries.  The  imports  are  t  am,  brandy,  mo- 
lasses, coffee,  sugar,  wines,  tobacco,  salt,  provisions  for 
the  troops,  and  manufactured  cloths  from  Ln.elauoh 


82  GAPE  BRETON. 

Governmeni.     The  same  as  that  of  Upper  Canada. 

H'utory  This  country  was  discovered  by  the  English 
ii)  li97,  and  settled  by  the  French  in  1608,  who  kept  pos- 
session of  it  till  1760,  when  it  was  taken  by  the  British, 
and  confirmed  to  the  crown  of  England  by  the  treaty  el' 
Paris,  in  1763. 


ISLAND  GF  CAPE  BRETON. 


THIS  Island,  (or  rather  collection  of  islands,  which  i:_' 
so  contiguous  that  lliey  are  usually  denominated  but  one; 
is  anneiiJ  lo,  ;iTid  forms  a  part  of,  the  province  of  Lowe.r 
Canada.  It  lie^  between  4-5^  23' and  4-7^  2'  north  lati- 
tude, and  between  13  and  15°  east  longitude  from  Phila- 
delphia, 109  miles  long,  and  from  20  to  St  broad.  It  is 
separated  fiom  Nova  Scotia  by  a  narrow  strait,  called  tlje 
Gut  of  Canso,  whicli  is  the  communication  betv^een  llie 
Atlantic  ocean  and  the  gulf  of  St.  Lav,  rence. 

The  climate  here  is  very  cold  ;  owing,  probably,  in  some 
degree,  to  the  prodigious  number  of  Jakes,  that  cover  half 
the  island,  and  remain  frozen  a  long  time  ;  and  also  to  tlie 
forests  that  totally  intercept  the  rays  of  the  snn.  The  ef- 
fect of  the  sun  is  likewise  diminished  by  almost  perpetual 
clouds.  The  surface  of  the  country,  except  in  tlie  hilly 
parts,  has  but  little  solijity.  There  are  some  toleiabl.e 
pastures  ;  and  it  abounds  in  hard  wood,  beech,  birch,  ma- 
ple, and  fir. 

On  this  island  are  about  3000  inhabitants,  two  thirds  of 
whom  are  French  Acadians. 

The  government  of  the  island  is  in  the  hands  of  a  lieu- 
tenant governor  and  council,  who  are  appointed  by  the 
king. 

'1  he  chief  towns  are  Sidney  and  Louisburg  ;  the  form- 
er of  which  is  the  capital,  .ind  the  latter  has  the  best 
harbor  in  the  island.  Louisbuig  may  be  considered  as 
the  key  to  Canada,  and  the  valuable  fishery  in  its  neigh- 
borhood depends  for  its  protection  on  the  possession  ol 
this  place. 


NEW-BRUNSWICK.  83 

T+iere  is  a  very  extensive  coal  mine  in  this  island,  iVom 
which  about  6000  chaldrons  are  annually  taken.  There 
is  an  inconsiderable  trade  in  peltiicb  and  lurs. 

This  island  was  discovered  at  a  very  early  period,  by 
the  Fieach,  and  was  resorted  to  by  a  few  fishermen  ;  but 
was  not  taken  formal  possession  of,  till  171  3.  The  French 
kept  it  till  \li5,  when  it  was  captured  by  the  New-Eng- 
land militia,  under  general  W.  Pcpperell,  and  confirmed 
vo  Great-Britain  by  the  treaty  of  1 763. 


NEW-BRUNSWICK 


IS  bounded  on  the  west  by  the  province  of  Maine,  north 
by  Lower  Canada,  easterly  by  the  gulf  of  St.  Lawrence, 
•outheast  and  south  by  Nova  Scotia  and  the  biy  of  Fundy. 
Till  the  year  17B4-,  it  formed  a  part  of  the  province  of 
Nova-Scotia,  when  it  was  erected  into  a  separate  govern- 
ment. It  lies  between  45  and  4-8  degrees  norlh  latitude, 
and  between  7  and  12  degrees  east  longitude. 

The  number  of  inhabitants  is  about  40,000. 

The  coast  of  this  province  is  indented  with  numerotis 
bays  and  harbors.  The  principal  is  the  bay  of  Fundy,  be- 
tween New  Brunswick  and  Nova-Scotia,  remarkable  for 
the  rise  of  its  tide,  which  is  scmetinies  more  than  60  feet 
perpendicular  height.  This  bay  extends  50  leagues  into 
tJie  country.  Chenigto  bay  is  the  northern  extieniity  of 
Fundy  bay  ;  Passamaquoddy  bay  borders  (>n  Maine. 
Chaleur  b.iy  is  a  portion  ot  the  gulf  of  St.  Lawrence, 
flowing  between  th's  province  on  the  south  and  Lower 
Canada  on  the  north. 

St.  .Tolm's  is  ihc  principal  river  in  this  province,  falling 
into  the  bay  of  Fundy,  after  a  course  of  nearly  350  miles. 

It  is  navigable  for  sloops  60  miles,  and  for  boats  200. 
Thib  noble  river  and  its  branches  water  and  enrich  a 
large  tract  (.("excellent  country,  which  is  settled,  and  im- 
proving. The  foiestb  consist  of  spruce,  pine,  hemlock, 
beech,  birch,  ma{;le,  ar.d  some  ash.  The  pines  on  this 
fiver  are  the  largest  in  all  British  America,  and  afford  a 
!^reat  ^.uppb;  of  mads  for  the  English  navy. 


34-  NOVA-SCOTIA. 

St.  Croix  river  falls  into  Passamaqiioddy  bay,  and  is 
part  of  the  boundary  between  New-Brunswick  and  Maine. 

Merrimichi  river  falls  into  a  bay  of  the  same  name  on 
the  northeast  coast  of  New-Brunswick.  A  small  distance 
from  its  estuary  it  divides  into  two  branches,  and  runs 
through  a  fertile  intervale.  There  is  a  cod  and  salmon 
fishery  at  the  confluence  of  this  river  and  the  bay. 

Among  \he  lakes  of  this  province,  which  are  numerous, 
is  Grand  lake,  near  St.  John's  river,  30  miles  long,  8  or 
10  wide,  and  in  some  places,  40  fathoms  deep. 

The  city  of  St.  John,  situated  on  high  land,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  river  St.  John,  is  the  capital  of  this  province. 
The  streets  are  spacious  and  regular.  It  has  upwards  of 
3000  inhabitants,  and  many  well  built  houses,  a  handsome 
church  and  city  hall. 

Frederictown,  the  preseftt  seat  of  government;  is  80 
miles  up  the  river  St.  John,  at  the  head  of  sloop  naviga- 
tion, and  contains  about  ,500  inhabitants.  In  the  vicinity 
of  this  town,  several  valuable  tracts  of  land  are  appropri- 
ated for  the  support  of  a  college. 


NOVA-SCOTIA 


LIES  between  43  and  13  degrees  north  latitude  and 
between  S  and  11  degrees  east  longitude.  Ejrcept  a  nar- 
row tract,  which  borders  on  New- Brunswick  to  the  norih- 
vvebi,  it  is  surrounded,  on  all  sides,  by  difFeient  portions  of 
the  Atlantic  ocean.  It  is  about  300  miles  long,  and  154' 
broad. 

The  climate  of  the  country  is  unpleasant;  the  atmo- 
sphere being  clouded  with  thick  fog  during  a  great  part  cl 
the  year,  and  the  weather,  for  four  or  five  m.onths  being 
intensely  cold.  The  soil  in  general  is  thin  and  barren, 
though  not  uniformly  so.  A  great  part  of  the  country  is 
covered  with  wood. 

This  province  is  accommodated  wiih  many  spacious 
liarbors  and  bays.  Tlic  bay  of  Fundy,  already  mcn- 
rv^nedj  ivashcs  its  northwcitern  5!v:.;C.     Chebucto  lay  if 


NOVA-SCOTIA.  85 

"oh  the  southeast,  at  the  head  of  which  Is  situated  the  town 
of  Halifax,  the  capital  of  the  province. 

The  face  of  the  country  is  diversified  with  numerous 
lakes  and  rivers.  Of  the  latter,  that  of.  Annapolis  is  the 
most  considerable,  and  is  navigable  1.5  miles  for  ships  of 
100  tons,  Salmon  river,  which  empties  into  Chedabucto 
bay,  is  remarkable  for  its  fisheries. 

Nova  Scotia  exhibits  an  unfavorable  appearance  to  the 
eye  of  a  stranger  ;  but  the  gradual  improvements  in  hus- 
bandry afford  reasonable  expectation,  that  it  will  become 
a  flourishing  colony. 

Coals,  lime  stone,  plaster  of  Paris,  and  iron  ore  are 
dug  out  of  the  earth  in  Nova-Scotia. 

Halifax,  the  capital  of  this  province,  is  delightfully- 
situated  on  the  west  side  of  Chebucto  bay,  commodious 
for  fishing,  and  has  a  fine  harbor,  lOQO  houses,  and  8000 
inhabitants.  The  other  towns  are  Annapolis  on  the  east 
side  of  the  bay  of  Fundy,  v.hich  has  one  of  the  finest  har- 
bors in  America  ;  and  Shelburne,  on  the  south  of  the  pen- 
insula, bijilt  by  emigrants  from  the  United  States. 

The  whole  population  of  Nova- Scotia  amounts  to  be-» 
iween  70,000  and  80,000.  The  great  body  of  the  peo- 
ple are  of  English  origin  ;  after  which  the  Scotch  and 
Crish  are  most  numerous. 

The  exports  from  Great  Britain  to  this  country  are 
chiefly  articles  of  clothing,  and  rigging  for  ships.  The 
imports  are  timber,  and  the  produce  of  the  fisheries. 

History,  Notwithstanding  the  forbidding  appearance  cf 
this  country,  it  was  here  that  some  of  the  first  European 
setlements  were  made.  The  first  grant  of  lands  in  it  was 
given  by  James  I.  to  his  secretary.  Sir  William  Alexander, 
from  whom  it  had  the  name  of  Nova  Scotia,  or  New- 
Scotland.  It  has  since  frequently  changed  hands,  from-  r 
one  private  proprietor  to  another,  and  from  the  French  to 
the  English  nation,  alternately.  It  was  confirmed  to  the 
English  in  171.'?.  Three  hundred  families  were  trans- 
ported here  in  1 749  at  the  charge  of  the  governmentj 
v/ho  built  and  settled  the  town  of  Halifax, 

H 


m  ISLAND  OF  ST.  JOHN, 


ISLAND  OF  ST.  JOHN. 


THIS  Island  lies  In  the  gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  near  the 
northern  coast  of  the  province  of  Nova- Scotia,  and  is  about 
100  miles  long,  and  from  10  to  35  broad.  It  has  several 
fine  rivers,  a  rich  soil,  and  is  pleasantly  situated.  Char- 
toTTETOWN  is  its  principal  town,  and  is  the  residence  of 
the  lieutenant  governor,  who  is  the  chief  officer  on  the 
island.  The  number  of  inhabitants  is  t;bout  5000.  The 
island  produces  corn,  and  quantities  of  beef  and  pork. 
The  French  inhabitants,  amounting  to  about  4000,  sur- 
rendered, in  1 745,  to  the  British  arms.  It  is  attached  to 
the  government  of  Nova-Scotia. 


NEWFOUNDLAND  ISLAND 


IS  situated  east  of  the  gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  between 
4.6°  45'  and  52°  31'  of  north  latitude,  and  between  15°  28' 
and  22°  37'  east  longitude  ;  separated  fi^om  Labrador  by 
the  Straits  of  Belleisle,  and  from  Canada,  by  the  bay  of  St. 
Lawrence  ;  being  381  miles  long,  and  from  40  to  287 
miles  broad.  The  coasts  are  very  subject  to  fogs,  attended 
with  almost  continual  storms  of  snow  and  sleet,  the  sky 
being  usually  overcast.  From  the  soil  of  this  land,  the 
JJritish  reap  no  great  advantage,  for  the  cold  is  long  con- 
tinued and  severe  ;  and  the  summer  heat,  though  violent, 
warms  it  not  enough  to  produce  any  thing  valuable  ;  the 
soil,  at  least  in  those  parts  of  the  island  which  have  been 
explored,  being  rocky  and  barren.  It  is  watered  by  seve- 
ral rivers,  and  has  many  large  and  good  harbors. 

The  chief  tov/ns  in  Newfoundlan«l  are  Placentia,  Bona- 
vista,  and  St.  John's. 

The  population  in  1805  was  24,922.  The  Indians  are 
considerably  numerous. 

The  admiral  on  the  coast  is  the  governor  of  the  island, 
under  the  governor  general  of  the  British  provinces. 


BERMUDA  ISLANDS.  St 

The  great  lishery  on  the  banks  of  Newfoundland  begins 
about  tiie  iOth  of  May,  and  continues  till  the  end  ot  Sep- 
tember. The  numbers  of  cod,  both  on  the  great  bank  and 
the  lesser  ones,  which  lie  east  and  south  of  this  island, 
are  inconceivable.  Several  other  species  oi  tish  are  also 
caught  here  in  abundance  The  fishery  is  computed  to 
yield  about  300,000/.  a  year,  from  the  cod  sold  in  Catho- 
lic countries. 

This  island,  after  various  disputes  with  the  Frencli,  was- 
entirely  ceded  to  the  English,  iu  171.3  ;  The  Frcncli  hav- 
ing permission  to  dry  their  nets  on  the  southern  shores  ;- 
and,  in  176:5,  they  were  permitted  to  fish  in  the  Gulf  ot" 
St.  Lav.Tence,  on  the  condition  that  they  should  not  ap- 
proach within  three  leagues  of  any  coast  belonging  to  Eng- 
land. By  the  last  treaty,  the  French  are  to  enjoy  the 
fisheries  on  the  north  and  we^^t  coasts  of  the  island  ;  and 
the  United  States  are  allowed  the  same  privileges  iu  fish- 
ing, as  before  their  independence.  Great  Britain  and  the,^ 
United  States  employ  annually  not  less  than  3000  sail  of  "'^ 
small  craft  in  this  fishery. 

The  other  islands  of  note,  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence, 
are  Anticosti,  near  the  mouth  of  St.  Lawrence,  126 
miles  long,  and  32  broad,  uninhabited  ;  the  Magdales 
Isles,  in  12°  29'  east  longitude,  and  between  47  and  80°* 
north  latitude,  inhabited  by  a  few  fishermen  ;  and  Isle 
Perce E,  about  15  miles  south  of  Cape  Gaspre.  It  is  a 
perpendicular  rock,  and  is  pierced  with  two  natural  arches, 
through  which  the  sta  flows.  One  of  these  aiches  is  suf- 
fkientiyhigh  to  admit  a  large  boat  to  pass  freely  thiough  it. 


THE  EERMUDAS,  OR  SOMMERS 
ISLANDS, 

BELONG  mdre  pTOperly  to  North-America,  than  ta 
the  V'V'est-Indies.  They  are  about  equally  distant  from  the 
West-Indies  and  Nova- Scotia,  and  ilOO  leagues  from  the 
coast  of  Carolina,  lying  in  23  degrees  north  latitude,  and 
about  1 1  degrees  of  east  longitude  iTom  Philadelphia. 
TJiey  received  their  first  name  from  John  Bermudas,  a 


88  UNITED  STATES. 

Spaniard,  their  first  discoverer  ;  and  are  called  SoT*mer&. 
Island's,  from  Sir  Georgg  Sommers,  who  was  shipwrecked 
on  their  rocks,  in  1609,  on  his  passage  to  Virginia.  The 
"principal  island  is  16  miles  long,  and  1  or  2  broad  ;  rocky 
find  uneven,  and  the  roads  almost  impassable.  The  air  is 
wholesome  ;  a  continual  spring  prevails,  and  most  of  the 
productions  of  the  West-Indies  are  here  cultivated.  Fif- 
teen or  twenty  thousand  people  are  collected  on  this  small,, 
spot,  two  thirds  of  whom  are  blacks. 


INDEPENDENT  AMERICA, 

OR  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Boundaries.  ALL  the  territories,  now  under  the  Fede* 
ral  Government  of  the  United  States,  are  here  included; 
under  the  general  head  of  Inoependent  America.  These 
territories  are  bounded  on  the  north  by  British  America  ; 
east  by  New-Brunswick  and  the  Atlantic  ocean  ;  sou:h  by 
Florida  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico ;  v/est  by  New-Mexico, 
and  a  ridge  of  mountaios,  generally  denominated  the 
Shining  Mountains,  which  divide  the  western  waters  of  the 
Missisippi  from  those  that  flow  westward  into  the  Pacifie 
ocean.  ,/ 

Situation  and  Extent.  This  country  lies  between  28  and 
50  degrees  north  latitude,  and  between  9  degrees  east 
and  14  degrees  west  longitude.  Its  extreme  length,  from 
cast  to  west,  is  upwards  of  2000  miles,  and  its  greatest 
breadth  about  1500.  It  contains  about  2^000,000  square 
miles,  and,  excepting  the  Russian  empire,  is  the  largest 
territory  on  the  earth,  whose  inhabitants  live  under  cne 
general  government. 

Divisions  and  Names.  Independent  America  consists  of 
levenieen  States,  ^nd  four  territorial  Governments,  exclusive  of 
l^ouisiana.  Each  state  has  a  government  of  its  own,  inde- 
pendent of  every  other  state  ;  and  all  are  united  under  one 
general  government,  and  thus  form  a  grand  national  re- 
public. 

The  states  and  territorial  governments  may  be  classed 
in  four  grand  divisions,  called  Northern,  Tifiddk,  Southerrty 


UNITED  STATES.  89 

and  JVesfern  States.  Though  these  divisions  are  merely 
nominal,  and  may  be  liable  to  some  objections  ;  yet  the 
convenience  of  using  the  appellations  northern^  middk,  south- 
ern, and  'U)cstern,  in  writing  and  conversation,  is  considered 
as  a  sufficient  reason  for  adopting  this  classification. 

The  first  division,  or  Northern  States,   is   the  territory, 
which,  in  1641,  received  the  nam^e  of  Nenu- England,  and 
comprehends 
District  of  Maine,  (belonging    Massachusetts  (Proper) 

to  Massachusetts)  Rhode-Island, 

New- Hampshire,  Connecticut. 

Vermont,- 

The  second  division,  or  Middle  States,  comprehends 
New-York,  Ohio, 

New-Jersey,  Michigan  Territory,. 

Pennsylvania,.  Indiana  Territory, 

Delaware,  Illinois  Territory. 

Maryland. 

The  third  division,  or  Southern  States,  consists  oi; 
Columbia  Territory,*  Tennessee, 

Virginia,  South-Carolina,  * 

Kentucky,  Georgia, 

North-Carolina,  Missisippl  Territory. 

The  fourth  or  Western  division  is  Louisiana. f 

This  division  of  the  United  States  is  already  divided  into 
the  nev/  state  of  Louisiana,  and  several  territorial  govern- 
ments ;  is  nearly  equal  in  extent  to  all  the  rest  of  the  U- 
nited  States  ;  and  will,, probably,  at  no  very  distant  period, 
be  divided  into  several  independent  slates. 

Under  the  present  head,  we  shall  confine  our  remarks  to 
those  topics,  which  are  common  to  all  the  states  and  ter- 
ritories, reserving  all  local  objects,  such  as  Bays,  Lakes, 
Rivers,  Mountains,  &c.  to  be  noticed  in  their  appropriate 
divisions. 

Climate.  The  climate  of  the  United  States  Is  subject  to 
great  extremes  of  heat  and  cold,  and  to  frequent  and  sud- 
den  changes  of  the  weather,  and  temperature  of  the  air. 

•This  territory  lies  partly  in  the  MlddU  and  p.utlv  in  \\\zSouthirn 
States. 

f  AH  the  States  west  of  the  Allegany  mountain?,  may  more  prcpc* 
Jy  be  denominated  Weitern  StaUi, 

H  2 


m  UNITED  STATES. 

The  weather  is  less  variable  In  the  northern  than  In  th* 
:,nut]iern  states ;  frosts  at  the  nortli  generally  come  on  i:i 
October  ;  severe  cold  commences  in  December  and  lasts 
till  March.  Daring  this  time,  the  ponds  and  fresh  water 
rivers  are  frozen  over.  The  climate  west  of  the  Allega- 
ny mountains,  differs  materially  from  that  on  the  eastern 
side,  in  the  temperature  of  the  air,  and  in  the  quantity  of 
snow  and  rain  which  falls  every  year.  The  air  is  seldom 
so  cold  or  so  hot  by  several  degrees,  as  on  the  eastern  side 
of  the  mountains,  in  the  same  latitudes. 

Seasons.  Autumn  is  the  finest  season  of  the  year,  in  the 
United  States  ;  th3  temperature  of  the  air  is  then  most  a- 
greeable  and  the  weather  is  serene  and  settled.  In  New- 
England  winter  lasts  near  half  the  year  ;  in  the  Southern 
States  it  is  milder,  and  continues  not  more  than  three  or 
four  months.  In  spring  the  weather  is  most  variable,  a 
fwarm  and  pleasant  day  being  often  succeeded  by  anothei- 
that  is  cold  and  stormy. 

Face  of  the  Country.  The  territories  of  the  United  State-s 
are  happily  variegated  with  mountains  and  plains,  hills 
and  valleys.  Some  parts  are  rocky,  particularly  the  north- 
ern stales,  and  the  mountainous  tract  running  southwest- 
erly from  Hudson  rivei  to  Georgia.  In  the  southern  stales, 
the  country  between  the  Atlantic  ocean  and  the  mountains, 
a  tract  from  60  to  100  miles  broad,  is  level,  and  entirely 
free  of  stone.  Between  the  mountains  and  the  Missisippi, 
are  vast  level  meadows,  and  the  borders  of  that  river  aie 
either  spacious  low  lands^  annually  overflowed,  or  con- 
tinued forests.  The  newly  acquired  tract  of  Louisiana 
contains  some  of  the  most  pleasant  and  fertile  spots  on  the 
face  of  the  globe. 

Botany.  The'natural  history  of  the  United  States  is  in 
its  infancy.  Th.e  vegetable  productions  have  not  yet  been 
well  desciibed  by  any  author,  in  a  work  professedly  for 
that  purpose. 

No  country  affordsa  greater  variety  of  indigenous  plants, 
many  of? which  are  distinguished  for  stately  growth  and 
beauty.  It  is  particularly  rich  in  trees  and  shrubs,  many 
of  them  differing  in  genus  or  species,  from  those  in  the  old 
world.  In  the  woods  are  several  new  species  of  oak,  wal- 
nut, poplar,  and  maple.  The  sugar  maple  abounds  in  ma- 
ny parts  of  the  United  States,  valuable  on  account  of  its 


UNITED  STATES.  91 

saccharine  juice  yielded  by  tapping,  which,  by  boiling  and 
relinirig,  affords  a  wholesome  and  palatable  sugar,  Ht  for 
all  domestic  uses.  In  the  southern  states,  the  magnolia 
rises  to  a  magnihcence  of  bulk,  which  renders  it  the  pride 
ef  the  forest,  while  its  flowers  perfume  the  air  ;  and  the 
wonds  afford  the  richest  variety  of  flowering  shrubs  and 
beautiful  trees.  New-England  produces  spontaneously 
an  almost  infinite  number  of  plants  and  herbs,  useful  for 
medicinal  purposes.  Wild  fruits,  and  nuts  of  almost 
every  description,  enrich  the  counuy  from  Maine  to. 
Geuigia. 

/}orkul:ure  and  Cuh'ii<ated  Vegetables.  In  agriculture,  the 
Americans  are  well  sk'lled,  and  are  eager  to  adopt  the  ad- 
vantages of  English  experience.  The  immortal  Washing- 
ton was  himself  an  excellent  practical  farmer  ;  and  it  i& 
computed  that  at  least  three  parts  in  four  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  United  States  are  employed  in  agriculture.  This 
fiee  and  vigorous  yeomanry^  may  well  be  regarded  as  the 
chief  gloiy  of  any  state  ;  and  commerce  will  import  suffi- 
cient opulence  to  enable  them  to  promote  every  possible 
improvement.*  Agriculture  flourishes  most  in  New-En- 
gland, Nev,'-York,  and  Pennsylvania  ;  but  is  making  rapid 
advances  in  all  the  other  states.  Among  the  numerous 
products,  are  wheat,  rye.  barley,  buck  wheat,  oats,  beans, 
pease,  and  maize,  or  Indian-corn,  which  is  a  native  grain. 

In  the  southern  states,  rice  is  cultivated,  and  is  found  to 
succeed  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio.  The  poiatoe  is  a  na- 
tive  and  valuable  root,  wliich  grows  in  all  the  states.  H<ps 
(another  native  plant)  are  also  cultivated.  Coitnn  (which 
ha.-5  taken  p.'ace  of  indigo)  and  tobacco  are  im.poitant  pro- 
ducts of  the  southern  states.  0;chards  are  favorite  ob- 
jects, and  cider  is  the  common  drink  of  New-England, 
.f\pp]es,  pears,  peaches,  phinjs,  &c  are  every  where  abimd- 
ant.  The  native  siiawberry  is  improved  by  cultivation, 
and  is  much  superior  to  the  exotic.  The  native  giape  is 
propagated  with  great  ease.  Its  growth  is  hixunant, 
overspreading  the  highest  trees  in  tl'e forest.  With  propo 
cr  cultivation,  it  would  afford  an  ample  supply  oi  wines, 
in  the  northern  as  well  as  southern  states. 

Besides  mo.-,t  of  the  grapes  of  Europe,  which  are  here 
culiivated,  theie  is  a  great  variety  of  others  iouiid  grow- 

*  P^^RE&TON, 


92 


UNITED  aXATES. 


ing  in  their  native  soils  and  situations,  many  of  which 
have  not  been  described  hy  any  boianical  writers. 

Zoology.  The  zoology  of  the  United  States  does  not 
materially  differ  from  that  of  North- America  in  general. 
America  contains,  at  least,  one  half,  and  tlie  territory  of 
the  United  States  more  than  one  fourth  of  the  species  of 
quadrupeds  in  the  kuov/n  world.  Some  of  them  are  pe- 
cuhar  to  this  continent,  and  others  are  common  to  both 
continents.  Our  information  on  this,  subject  is  not  exten- 
sive It  is  probable  that  some  of  our  quadrupeds  are  ut-  ' 
terly  unknown  ;  others  are  known  only  by  the  common 
reports  of  hunters,  and  cannot  be  described. 

The  following  catalogue,  it  is  believed,  Contains  most 
of  the  wild  quadrupeds  of  North  America. 
Mammoth  Weasel  Field  Mouse 

Bison  Ermine  Bat 

Moose  Marten  Ground  Mouse 

Cniibou  Mink  Wood  Rat 

Red  Deer  Oiter  American  Rat 

Faiiow  Deep  Fisher  Shrew  Mouse 

Roe  Skunk  Purple  Mole 

Bear  Opossum  Black  Mole 

Wolverene  Woodchuck  Water  Rat 

Wolf  Urchin  Beaver 

Fox  Hare  Musquash 

Cat-imount  Racoon  Morse 

Saliow  Cougar        Fox  Squirrel  Seal 

Grev  Cougar  Grey  Squirrel  Maniti 

M''    r  lain  Cat  Red  Squirrel  Sapi<jou 

Lynx  Stiiped  Squirrel      Sagoin 

Kincajou  Flying  oquirrei 

The  Wolf,  Fox,  Weasel,  Ermine,  Olter,  Flying  Squir- 
lel,  Bat,  and  W^ater  Rat,  are  of  the  same  species  with  the 
Europenn  animals  of  the  same  names. 

The  Faiiow  Deer,  Grey  Fox,  Marten,  Otter,  Opossum, 
Woodchuck,  flare,  some  of  the  Squirrels,  and  the  Beaver, 
have  been  tamed.  Probably  most  of  these,  and  some  oth- 
ers, might  be  perfectly  domesticated.  !t  has  been  observ- 
ed of  our  Wild  animals,  in  general,  that  they  are  not  of  so 
3avage  a  nature  as  those  of  Europe 

Mammoth.  This  name  has  been  given  to  an  unknoAV# 
animal,  whose  bones  are  found  in  the  noribcrp  parts  of  both 


UNITED  STATES.  ^^ 

ifce  o!d  and  new  world.  From  the  form  of  their  teeth, 
they  are  said  to  be  carnivorous.  Like  the  elephant,  they 
were  armed  with  tusks  of  ivory  ;  but  they  obviously  differ 
from  the  elephant  in  size,  their  bones  proving  them  to  have 
bt-(  n  live  or  six  times  as  large.  These  enormous  bones 
are  found  in  several  parts  of  North-America,  particularly 
about  the  salt  licks,  or  springs,  near  the  Ohio  river. 

Bird:.  The  birds  of  the  United  States  liave  been  ar- 
ranc^ed,  by  naturalists,  into  twelve  classes  ;  the  number 
cf  birds  in  all  the  classes  amount  to  271-  They  geneially 
exceed  the  birds  of  Europe  in  the  beauty  of  their  plumage, 
but  are  inferior  in  the  melody  of  their  notes. 

The  middle  states,  including  Virginia,  appear  to  be  the 
climates  in  North-America,  where  the  greatest  number 
and  variety  of  birds  of  passage  celebrate  their  nuptials,  af- 
ter which  they  annually  return  to  more  southern  regions. 
Most  of  our  birds,  are  birds  of  passage  from  the  southwards. 
The  eigle,  the  pheasant,  grouse,  and  partridge  of  Penn- 
sylvania, several  species  of  woodpeckers,  the  crow,  blue 
jay,  robin,  marsh  wren,  several  species  of  sparrows,  or 
snow  birds,  and  the  swallow,  are  perhaps  nearly  all  the 
land  birds  that  continue  the  year  round  to  the  northward 
of  Virginia. 

The  swan  i<;  the  largest  ortiis  aquatic  tribe  of  birds, 
which  is  seen  in  this  country.  One  of  them  has  been  known 
to  weigh  thirty-six  pounds,  and  to  be  si.x  feet  in  length 
from  tlie  bill  to  the  feet,  wlicn  stretched.  It  makes  a 
sound  resembling  that  of  a  trumpet,  both  >;^vhen  in  the 
wafer  and  en  the  wing. 

The  Canada  Gonse  is  a  bird  of  passage  and  gregarious.. 
The  offspring  of  the  Canadian  and  common  goose  are 
mongrels,  and  reckoned  more  valuable  than  either  of  uu-- 
mixed  biood. 

The  Quail,  or  Parti idge,  is  a  bird  peculiar  to  America.. 
The  partridge  of  New- England  is  the  pheasan  of  Penn- 
sylvania, but  is  miscalled  in  both  places.  It  is  a  speciev. 
of  the  Grous.  Neither  the  Pheasant,  Partridge,  nor  Quail- 
is  found  in  America. 

The  Wakon  bird,  which  probably  is  of  the  same  specie-, 
as  the  Bird  of  Paradise,  receives  its  name  from  the  idea; 
th^  Indians  Uava  of  its  superior  excellence ;  tho  Wakpx- 


94  tJNITED  STATES. 

Bird  being,  in  iheir  language,  the  Bird  of  the  Great  Spirit. 
Its  tail  is  composed  of  four  or  five  feathers,  which  are 
three  times  as  long  as  its  body,  and  which  are  beautifully 
shaded  with  green  and  purple.  It  carries  this  fine  length 
cf  plumage  in  the  same  manner  as  the  peacock  does  his, 
but  it  is  not  known  whether,  like  him,  it  ever  raises  it  to 
an  erect  position. 

Reptiles.  Among  the  amphlbkus  reptiles,  are  several 
turtles,  or  tortoises,  some  of  which  are  esteemed  delic- 
ious food.  Ql  loads,  frogs ^  and  lizards,  there  are  likewise 
many  species.  Of  this  latter  class  of  reptiles,  is  the  Alliga- 
tor, or  American  Crocodile,  a- terrible  creature,  of  prodig- 
ious strength,  activity,  and  swiftness  in  the  water.  They 
are  from  six  to  tweniy-four  f*et  in  length  ;  their  bodiesj 
as  large  as  that  of  a  horse,  covered  with  horny  plates  or 
scales,  said  to  be  impenetrable  to  a  rifle  ball,  except  about 
the  head  and  fore  legs.  They  make  a  frightful  appear- 
ance, and  at  certain  seasons,  a  most  hideous  roar,  resem- 
bling distant  thunder.  They  are  oviparous,  and  lay  from 
one  to  two  hundred  eggs  in  a  nest.  Their  principal  fo^d 
is  fish,  but  they  devour  dogs  and  hogs.  The  old  ieed  on 
the  young  alligators,  till  they  get  so  large  that  they  can- 
not make  a  prey  of  them.  In  South- America,  the  carrion 
vulture  destroys  multitudes  of  young  alligators,  which 
would  otherwise  render  the  country  uninhabitable. 

It  is  supposed  there  arc  about  forty  different  kinds  of 
serpents  in  North-America,  among  which  the  Rattle  snake 
is  probably  rlit  largest.  Their  rattles  consist  of  several  ar- 
ticulatedjCrustaceous  bags,  forming  their  tails,  which  when 
they  move,  make  a  rattling  noise,  giving  warning  of  their 
approach.  They  are  supposed  to  have  the  power  of  fas- 
cination in  an  eminent  degree  ;  and  charm  birds,  rabits, 
and  squirrels  in  such  a  manner,  that  they  lose  the  power 
of  resistance,  and  suffer  themselves  to  be  devoured.  Their 
bite  is  very  poisonous,  but  not  incurable. 

Tlie  Coach-Whip,  Glass,  and  Joint  snakes,  are  great 
curiosities.  The  latter,  when  struck,  breaks-like  a  pipe-stem- 
v/ithout  producing  a  tincture  of  blood. 

The  snakes  are  not  so  numerous  nor  so  venomous  in  the 
northern,  as  in  the  southern  states  ;  in  the  latter  however, 
the  inhabitants  are  furnislaed  with  a  much  greater  variety 


UNITED  STATES.  §5 

of  plants  and  herbs,  which  afford  immediate  relief  to  per- 
sons bitten  by  those  poisonous  creatures.  It  is  an  obser-' 
vation  worthy  of  grateful  remembrance,  that  wherever 
venomous  animals  are  found,  the  God  of  nature  has  kind- 
ly provided  sufficient  antidotes  against  their  poison. 

Fish.  Upwards  of  eighty  different  kinds  of  fish  have 
been  enumerated  in  the  waters  of  North-America.  Of 
these  the  Whale  is  the  largest ;  some  of  them,  in  the  north- 
ern seas,  being  ninety  feet  in  length.  They  were  former- 
ly found  in  plenty  along  the  coast  of  the  United  States, 
but,  at  present  are  scarce.  That  species  of  Whales,  call- 
ed the  Beluga,  is  found  principally  in  the  gujf  of  St. 
Lawrence  and  Hudson  Bay.  Beneath  the  skin  of  the 
Beluga,  may  be  felt  the  bones  of  five  fingers,  which  termi- 
nate at  the  edge  of  the  fin,  in  five  very  sensible  projections. 

The  Lamprey  frequents  most  of  the  rivers  in  the  New- 
England  states.  After  the  spawning  season  is  over,  and 
the  young  fry  have  gone  down  into  the  sea,  the  old  fish  at- 
tach themselves  to  the  roots  and  limbs  of  trees,  which 
have  fallen  into  the  water,  and  there  perish.  A  mortifi- 
cation begins  at  the  tail,  and  proceeds  upwards  to  the  vi- 
tal parts. 

The  Ink,  or  Cuttle  Fish,  is  a  great  curiosity.  It  is  fur- 
nished with  a  cyst  of  black  liquor,  which,  when  emitted, 
renders  the  water  like  a  thick,  black  cloud  in  the  eyes  of  its 
pursuer  ;  and  thus  the  fish  escapes.  The  whalemen  call 
these  fish  Squids. 

Insects.  Naturalists  have  enumerated  about  eighty  spe- 
cies of  insects  and  vermes  in  North- America,  many  of  them 
peculiar  to  the  continent.  The  most  curious  of  these  is 
the  Sea  Anemone,  Sea  Nettle,  or  Animal  Flower.  They 
are  found  attaclied  to  the  sides  of  rocks,  over  which  the 
tide  flows.  They  appear  like  flowers  of  different  sizes, 
with  six  expanded  leaves  ;  and  have  the  power  of  assum- 
ing different  shape?,  as  of  a  full  blov/n  anemone,  or  of  a 
large  rose  or  poppy.  When  the  largest  are  expanded,  they 
are  five  or  six  inches  in  circumference  ;  and,  when  touch- 
ed, they  contract  themselves  When  muscles  are  offered 
them  they  seize  and  conduct  them  to  their  mouths  in  the 
centre  of  the  flower,  and  swallow  them.  They  reproduce 
themselves  in  an  t^stonishing  manner  ;  when  cut  into  sev- 


m  UNITEB  STATES. 

several   piiRccs,    each   piece  becomes   a  complete  crea- 
ture.* 

Commerce  and  Manufactures,  No  country  in  the  world 
-enjoys  greater  advantages  for  Internal  and  foreign  com- 
merce than  the  United  States,  by  means  of  the  cun>erous 
rivers  and  lakes. that  inte|-sect  the  country  and  the  ex- 
cellent harbors  and  bays  which  indent  the  sea  coast.  Ca- 
nals are  opened,  ati<^  many  more  might  be  opened,  to  fa- 
cilitate inland  navigation  ;  and  the  whole  country  will 
probably  soon  be  chequered  into  islands  and  peninsulas. 

The  most  considerable  manufactures,  are  tanned  leather 
and  dressed  skins  ;  various  works  in  iron  and  wood  ;  ca- 
bles, sail  cloth,  and  cordage;  bricks,  tiles,  and  pottery  ; 
paper,  hats,  sn<*ff,  gunpowder  j  some  utensils  in  copper, 
brass,  and  tin  ;  clocks,  and  mathematical  instruments  ; 
coarse  cloths,  cottons  and  linens  for  domestic  uses,  and 
some  for  exportation  ;  and  maple  sugar. 

The  principal  articles  of  exportation  will  be  enumerat- 
ed in  the  accounts  of  the  several  states  individually. 

The  commerce  of  the  United  States  is  chiefly  carried 
on  with  Great-Britain  and  her  colonies,  with  Russia, 
France,  Spain,  Portugal,  Turkey,  tlie  East- Indies,  &c. 
In  1799,  1 900,  1801,  and  1802,  the  exports  of  the  United 
States  fluctuated  from  68  to  9'6  millions  of  dollars.  Tlie 
importations  of  manufactures  from  the  British  dominions, 
were  little  less  than  «7,000,000  dollars.  In  1802,  the  im- 
ported manufactur*"^  from  all  other  countries,  were  less 
than  14,000,000  i  The  wines,  teas,  salt,  distilled 

spirits,  and  other  m...  ctured  produce,  from  places  not 
British,  amounted  pn,^.  y  to  30,000,000  dollars,  and  the 
like  manufactured  articles  from  British  dominions  were 
probably  worth  3,000,000  dollars.  The  annual  value  of  all 
the  articles  manpfactured,  it  appears  from  an  estimate 
made  by  authority  in  1810,  considerably  exceeds  120 
millions  of  dollars,  and  this  value  is  rapidly  increas- 
ing. Thf»  trade  to  China  is  considerable,  and  increas- 
irg.  Th  ■  total  amount  of  imports  into  the  United 
States,  in  1810,  is  stated  by  Mr.-  Blodget,  at  54',000,000 
dollars  ;  and  of  the  exports,  at  52,200,000  dollars  s 
tons  of  shipping,  l,,'J50,28l  ;  of  which  4^)3,044!  tons,   or 

*  For  more  complete  information  of  the  quadrupeds,  birds,  fish, 
insect*,  &c.  of  North-America,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  Americai) 
Universal  Geography 


UNITED  STATES.  «7 

mors  than^one  third  is  owned  by  Massachusetts.  Mr. 
Blodget  estimates  the  number  of  acres  of  improved  land 
io  the  United  is:  ates,  at  -lO.QSO.OOO  i  horses,  J  4,()00,()00  ; 
horned  cattle,  ■  5,660,000  ;  banks,  S>5  ;  bank  capitals, 
54.000,000  dollars  ;  custom  house  bonds,  9,(i()0,00(i  dol- 
lars ;  total  valuation  of  the  United  Stales,  li, 5 10,000,000 
dollars. 

Populalton.  According  to  the  census  of  1800,  the  num- 
ber of  inhabitants  in  the  several  states  was  5,305,666  ;  of 
whom  y93,651  were  slaves  According  to  ihe  census  of 
1810,  the  whole  number  of  inhabitants  was  7,'i^<9,903,  of 
whom  1,1 9 1, 364  were  slaves.  This  population  is  made 
up  of  almost  all  nations,  languages,  and  religions,  which 
Europe  can  furnish  ;  but  much  the  greater  part  are  de- 
scended from  the  English. 

Language.  The  English  language  is  the  prevailing  lan- 
guage in  the  United  States  ;  and  in  this  language  all  bu- 
siness is  transacted,  and  public  records  kept.  Excepting 
a  few  provincial  con  options,  it  is  spoken  with  great  puri- 
ty in  i\ew-b'ngland,  by  all  classes  of  peop.e.  In  the  mid- 
dle and  southern  states,  the  great  influx  of  foieigntrs  has 
produced  many  corruptions,  especially  in  pronunciation. 
There  arq  some  Dutch,  French,  Germans,  Swedes,  and 
Jews,  who  retain,  in  a  greater  or  less  degiee,  their  native 
language,  in  which  they  perform  their  public  worship, 
and  converse  with  each  oilier. 

Religion  The  constitution  of  the  United  States  prohib- 
its the  enycting  of  any  laws  for  the  establishment  of  le- 
hgion,  or  controlling  the  free  exercise  of  it.  Religious  lib- 
erty is  also  a  fundamental  principle  in  the  constitutions  of 
the  individual  slates.  Its  pubUc  teachers  are  maintained 
by  equal  taxes  on  property,  by  pew  rents,  marriage  and 
burial  fees,  voluntary  contributions,  &c. 

The  following  denomiilations  of  Christians  are  found  in 
the  United  States  : 


Congregationalists  Baptists 

Presbyterians  Quakers,  or  Friends 

Episcopalians  Methodists 

Dutch  Reformed  Church  Roman  Catholics 
1 


9$ 


.UNITED  STATED. 


German  Lutherans 
German  Calvinists,  or  Pres- 
byterians 
Moravians 


Tunkers 
Universalists 
Mennonists  and 
Shakers 


There  are,  probably,  some  others,  whose  numbers  arc 
comparatively  small.* 

State  of  Liter alure.  There  are  In  the  United  States  30 
colleges  ;  thr^pr  four  of  them,  however,  exist  only  on 
paper  ;  and  abdut  100  academies.  A  plan  has  been  con- 
templated for  establishing,  under  the  auspices  of  Congress, 
a  National  University,  at  the  seat  of  governnient.  . 

Government.  The  government  of  the  United  States  is 
vested  in  a  President  and  Congress,  which  consists  of  two 
legislative  bodies,  called  a  senate  and  house  of  represent- 
atives. The  President  is  chosen  for  four  years.  The 
senate  consists  of  two  senators  from  each  state,  chosen 
every  six  years  by  the  state  legislatures.  In  this  body 
the  vice  president  of  the  United  States  presides,  ex  officio. 
The  house  of  representatives  is  elected  by  the  people,  eve- 
ry two  years,  and  apportioned  in  such  a  manner,  that  ev- 
ery state  shall  have,  at  least,  one  representative  ;  but  that 
the  number  of  representatives  shall  not  exceed  one  for 
every  35,000  inhabitants. 

By  the  census  of  1810  the  representatives  to  congress 
were  apportioned  among  the  states  as  follows  ; 


New-Hampshire 

6 

Indiana  Territory 

1 

Vermont 

6 

Maryland 

9 

Massachusetts 

20 

Virginia 

23 

Rhode-Island 

2 

Kentucky 

10 

Connecticut 

7 

Tennessee 

G 

New-York 

27 

Worth-Carolina 

13 

New-Jersey 

6 

South-Carolina 

9 

Pennsylvania 

23 

Georgia 

6 

Delaware 

2 

Louisiana 

1 

Ohio 

6 

Missisippi  Territory 

1 

*  For  a  particular  account  of  these  several  religious  sects,  the  read- 
er is  referred  to  Miss  H.  Adams's  «  View  of  Religions," 


UNITED  STATES'.  99 

The  legislative  power  is  vested  in  the  congress,  and  the 
executive  is  lodged  with  the  president,  or  in  the  vice- 
prCbident,  who  supplies  his  place  in  any  emergency.  The 
president  has  the  command  of  the  army  and  navy,  and 
has  the  power  of  pardoning  offences,  except  in  cases  of 
impeachment.  He  can  make  treaties,  and  appoint  am- 
bassadors, with  the  consent  of  two  thirds  of  the  senate. 

The  judicial  power  is  lodged  in  one  supresae  court,  and 
such  inferior  courts  as  the  congress  may  ordain ;  the 
jadges  hold  their  offices  during  good  behavior. 

Each  state  has  its  peculiar  government,  commonly  con- 
vsisting  of  a  governor,  and  general  asbembly,  annually 
chosen.  The  constitutions  of  the  individual  states  aie,  with 
a  few  variations,  similar  to  that  of  the  United  States. 

Seat  of  Government.  The  city  of  Washington  in  the  ter- 
ritory of  Columbia,  was  ceded  by  the  states  of  Virginia 
and  Maryland,  to  the  United  States,  and  by  Congress 
established  as  the  seat  of  the  government.  It  stands  at 
the  junction  of  the  rivers  Potowmac  and  Eastern  Branch, in 
lat  y8  36  N.  extending  nearly  four  miles  up  each,  and  in- 
cluding a  tract  of  territory,  which,  in  point  of  convenience, 
salubrity,  and  beauty,  is  not  exceeded  by  any  in  America. 

'I'he  situation  of  this  metropolis,  is  upon  the  great  post 
road,  about  equally  distant  from  the  northern  and  southern 
extremities  of  the  United  States  ;  upon  the  best  naviga- 
tion, and  in  the  midst  of  a  commercial  territory,  immense- 
ly rich,  and  commanding  extensive  internal  resources. 
The  public  offices  of  the  government  were  established 
herein   1800.  -  ' 

Revenue  and  Expenditure,  The  revenue  of  the  United 
States  is  raised  from  duties  on  the  tonnage  of  vessels  en- 
tered in  the  various  sea-ports,  and  on  imported  goods, 
wares,  and  merchandize.  The  revenue  for  the  year  1805, 
was  14.,589,369  dollars  j  in  1808,  10,348,000  dollars; 
in  1809,  6,5'27,000  dollars ;  in  1810,  according  to  the  es- 
timate of  the  secretary,  about  12,000,000  dollars  ;  the 
expenditures  for  the  year  ending  30th  September,  1810, 
amounted  to  8,174,358  dollars. 

The  total  receipts  into  the  treasury  of  the  United  Stares 
from  the  4th  of  March,  1789,  to  December  31st,  1809,  a- 
owunted  to  210,827,937  dpllars,  54  cents,  vi^. 


iOO  UNITED  STATES. 

Dollars.    Ceats, 

From  Customs  *                171,278,734.09 

Internal  revenue  6,445,373  90 

Direct  tax  1,736  266  28 

Public  lands  3,972,134  34 

Miscellaneous  5,574,662  90 

Loans  21,820,765  82 


Total  210,827,937 '34 

The  largest  amount  in  any  single  year  was,  in  180S» 
17.060,661  dollars,  93  cents ;  in  1809,  the  amount  was 
only  7,773,473  dollars.  12  cents. 

Public  Debt.  The  amount  of  the  public  debt  at  the  com- 
mencement off  the  present  government,  1789,  was  about 
75,000,000  dollars  ;  in  1 8 lOjt  was  reduced  to  53,172  aOQ 
dollars,  32  cents.     It  has  since  been  rapidly  increasing. 

Mint.  A  national  mint  v/as  established  in  1791.  It 
is  provided  by  law  that  the  purity  and  intrinsic  value  of 
silver  shall  be  equal  to  that  of  Spain  ;  and  of  the  gold 
coins  to  that  of  the  strictest  European  nations.  T  he  gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States  derives  no  profit  from  the 
coinage.  The  value  of  the  coins  striick  at  the  mint,  dur- 
ing the  year  1804,  was  371,827  dollars,  94  cents.  In 
1807>  2,73lj345  pieces  of  coin,  gold,  silver,  and  copperji 
were  struck,  at  the  United  States  mint,  amounting  to 
1,044.595  dollars,  9!  cents. 

Army.  The  United  States  have  no  standing  army,  sucl^ 
an  establishment  being  deemed  inconsistent  with  a  repub- 
lican gov6rnmenCi"  The  following  is  the  return  of  the  mil- 
itary force  of  the  states  and  territories,  made  to  the  secre-. 
tary  at  war,  in  1807,  arranged  in  the  order  of  their  rela- 
tive strength. 

Georgia  18,65ii 

Vermont  1 6,436 


Pennsylvania  94,521 

IMew-York  71',.494 

Virginia  69,762 

Massachusetts  62,586 

North-Carolina  44,^56 

Souih-Carolina  32,642 


Tennessee  16,102 

Ohio  15,137 

Rhode-Island  5.245 

Mi&sisippi  Territory     1,1^8 


Kentucky  32,235  j  Indiana   !  erritory  2,931 

Kew-Jersey  30,885  |  District  of  Columbia  1,910 

New  Hampshire  22,786     Orleans  Territojy  1,44? 

Ccanecticut  20,783  j  Michigan  Territciy  1.038 


UNITED  STATES.  101 

The  militia  of  the  states  and  territories,  according  to 
the  returns  made  to  the  secretary  ar  war,  in  1808,  amount- 
ed to  636,33G  men,  giving  an  increase  of  7I>338,  for  one 
year. 

A  small  military  force  was  maintained  before  the  pres- 
ent war,  for  the  support  of  public  order,  and  the  defence 
of  the  frontiers,  and  fortresses  on  the  sea  coast. 

Navy.  The  navy  of  the  United  States  commenced  Its 
existence  in  1797,  and  increased  rapidly  till  1800;  since 
which  time  it  has  been  reduced,  and,  in  1810,  consisted 
only  of  19  vessels  of  war,  of  which  0  were  frigates,  the 
whole  carrying  502  guns.  Provision  has  been  made  by 
congress,  in  181^,  for  increasing  the  navy,  and  several  T'i's 
are  now  building. 

History.  The  time  and  manner  of  the  original  settle- 
ments of  the  United  States,  have  been  mentioned  undei 
the  head  of  North- America.  ['hey  continued  subject  to 
Great-Britain,  as  colonies  of  that  kingdom,  till  the  I'ourth  # 
OF  July,  1776;  which  day  may  be  called  the  epoch  of 
their  existence,  as  an  independent  naiion 

The  attempts  of  the  British  parliament  to  raise  a  reve- 
mue  in  the  colonies,  without  their  consent,  occasioned  the 
war,  which  separated  them  from  Great  Britain.  The  fol- 
lowing brief  history  of  this  war,  and  the  causes  which  \q<X 
to  it,  is  thought  of  sufficient  importance  to  have  a  place  in 
this  work. 

The  first  attempt  of  consequence  was  the  famous  Stamp 
Act,  March,  176:5  By  this,  the  Americans  were  ob' iged 
to  make  use  of  stamped  paper  for  all  notes,  bonds,  and  oth- 
er legal  instruments  ;  on  whicJi  paper,  a  duty  was  to  be 
paid.  This  act  occasioned  such  general  uneasiness  in  A- 
merica,  that  the  parliament  thought  proper  to  repeal  it, 
the  year  after  it  was  made.- 

The  next  year,  1767  the  Tea  Act  was  framed;  by' 
which  a  heavy  duty  was  laid  upon  tea,  glass,  paper,  and 
many  other  articles,  which  were  much  used  in  America. 
This  threw  the  colonies  into  confusion,  and  excited  sucli 
resentment  among  the  people,  that  the  par  lament,  three 
years  after,  took  off  three  fourths  of  the  duty.     But  it  was 

19 


W2  UNITED  STATES. 

.■sill]  disagreeable  to  the  Americans,  who  entered  Into  reso- 
1  aliens  not  to  import  or  consume  British  manufactures. 

In  1773,  the  people  of  Boston,  wiio  were  determined  not 
to  pay  duties  on  tea,  employed  some  persons  to  go  In  dis- 
guise on  board  sflme  ships  loaded  with  tea,  belonging  to 
the  East-India  company,  which  lay  in  the  harbor,  and  to 
throw  the  tea  overboard.  In  other  parts  of  America,  vio- 
lent opposition  was  made  to  British  taxation.  This  oppo- 
sition enkindled  the  resentment  of  the  British  parliament, 
which  they  expressed  the  next  year,  177'i>  by  shutting  the 
port  of  Boston,  which  ruined  the  trade  of  that  flounsliing 
town.  This  act  wjls  followed  by  otliers,  by  which  the  con- 
stitution of  Massachusetts  was  new  modelled,  and  the  lib- 
erties of  the  people  infringed* 

These  rash  and  cruel  measures  gave  great  and  universal 
alarm  to  the  Americans.  General  Gage  was  sent  to  Bos- 
ton to  enforce  the  new  laws  ;  but  he  was  received  with 
>  coldness,  and  opposed  with  spirit  in  the  execution  of  his 
commission.  The  assemblies  of  Americans  remonstrated 
and  petitioned.  Contributions  of  money  and  provisions, 
from  every  quarter,  were  sent  to  the  inhabitants  of  Boston, 
who  were  suffering  In  consequence  of  the  port  bill. 

The  same  year,  troops  arrived  in  Boston,  to  enforce  the 
impolitic  and  unjust  acts  of  the  British  parliament.  Forti- 
iicH.ions  were  erected  on  Boston  neck,  by  order  of  genera! 
G;icfe  ;  and  the  ammunition  and  stores  Ik  Cambridge  and 
Chanestown  were  secured. 

in  S^;pteniber,  deputies,  from  most  of  the  colonies,  met 
in  Congress,  at  Philadelpliia,  who  approved  of  the  conduct 
of  I  he  people  of  Massachusetts  ;  wrote  a  letter  to  general 
Gage  ;  pubiishc-d  a  declaration  of  rights  ;  formed  an  as- 
sociation  not  to  import  or  use  British  goods  ;  sent  a  peti"- 
tlon  to  the  king  of  Great-Britain  ;  an  address  to  the  in- 
'habltants  of  that  kingdom  ;  .another  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Canada  ;  and  another  to  the  inhabitants  cf  the  colonies. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  next  year,  1775,  was  passed  the 
Fishery  Bill,  by  which  the  northern  colonies  were  forbid 
to  fish  on  the  banks  of  Newfoundland,  for  a  certain  time. 
This  bore  hard  upon  the  commerce  of  these  colonies,  which 
was,  in  a  great  measure  supported  by  the  fishery.  Soon 
after,  another  bill  was  passed,  which  restrained  the  trade 


UNITED  STATES.  103 

of  the  middle  and  southern  colonies  to  Great-Britain,  Ire- 
land, and  the  West-Indies,  except  on  certain  conditions. 

These  repeated  acts  of  oppression,  on  the  part  of  Great- 
Britain,  alienated  the  affections  of  America  from  her  par- 
ent and  sovereign,  and  produced  a  combined  opposition  to 
the  whole  system  of  taxation.  Preparations  begaa  to  be 
made  to  oppose  by  force  the  execution  of  these  acts  of  par- 
hament.  The  militia  of  the  country  were  trained  to  the 
use  of  arms — great  encouragement  was  given  for  the  man- 
ufacture of  gun  powder,  and  measures  were  taken  to  ob- 
tain all  kinds  of  military  stores. 

In  February,  colonel  Leslie  was  sent,  with  a  detachment 
of  British  troops,  from  Boston,  to  take  possession  of  some 
cannon,  at  Saiera.  But  the  people  had  intelligence  of  the 
design — took  up  the  draw  bridge  in  that  town,  and  pre- 
vented the  troops  from  passing,  until  the  cannon  were  se- 
cured ;  so  fhat  the  expedition  failed. 

In  April,  colonel  Smith  and  major  Pitcairn  were  sent 
with  a  body  ot  troops,  to  destroy  the  military  stores  which 
had  been  collected  at  Concoid,  about  twenty  miles  from 
Boston.  At  Lexington  the  militia  were  cpllected  on  a 
gieen,  to  opposq^the  incursion  of  the  British  forces,  and 
were  fired  upon  by  the  troops,  when  eight  men  were  killed 
upon  the  spot.  Che  militia  were  dispersed,  and  the  troops 
proceeded  to  Concord  where  they  destroyed  a  few  stores. 
On  their  return,  they  weie  incessantly  harassed  by  the 
Americans,  who,  inHamed  with  just  resentment,  fired  upi>n' 
them  from  houses  and  tences,  and  pursued  them  to  Bi^sion. 

At  Lexington,  was  spilt  the  first  blood  in  this  memora- 
ble war;  a  war,  which  severed  America  irom  the  British 
empire.  Here  opened  the  fiist  scene  of  the  great  drama, 
which,  in  its  progress,  exhibited  the  most  illustrious  char- 
acters and  events,  and  closed  with  a  revolution,  equally 
glorious  for  the  actois,  and  important  in  its  consequences 
to  the  human  race. 

This  battle  roused  all  America.  The  nnilitia  collected 
from  all  quarters  ;  and  Boston  was,  in  a  few  days,  besieged 
by  twenty  thousand  men.  A  stop  wai  put  to  all  inter- 
course between  the  town  and  countiy,  and  the  inhybitants 
were  reduced  to  great  want  of  provisions.  Gentiai  G.<ge 
promised  to  let  the  people  depart,  if  they  would  dehver 


lOi  UNITED  STATES. 

up  their  arms.  They  complied  ;  but  when  tho  general 
had  obtained  their  arms,  the  perfidious  man  refused  to  let 
them  go. 

In  the  mean  time,  a  small  number  of"  men,  under  the- 
command  of  colonels  Allen  and  Eastpn,  without  any  pub- 
lic orders,  surprised  and  took  the  British  garrison  at  Ti- 
conderoga,  without  the  loss  of  a  man* 

In  June  following,  our  troops  attempted  to  fortify  Bun- 
ker's hill,  which  lies  in  Charlestown,  and  but  a  mile  from 
B'^ston.  They  had,  during  the  night,  thrown  up  a  small 
breast  work  which  sheltered  them  from  the  fire  of  the 
British  cannon.  The  next  morning,  the  British  army  was 
sent  to  drive  them  from  the  hill,  and,  landing  under  cover 
of  their  cannon,  they  set  fire  to  Charlestown,  which  was 
consumed,  and  marched  lo  attack  our  tioops  in  the  en- 
trencliments.  A  severe  engagement  ensued,  in  which  tha 
British  suffered  a  very  great  loss,  both  of  officers  and  pri- 
vates. I'hey  weie  repulsed  at  first,  and  thrown  into  dis- 
order, but  finally  carried  the  foi  tification.  The  Americans 
suffered  a  small  loss,  compared  with  the  British ;  but  the 
death  of  ihe  brave  general  Wan  en,  who  fell  in  the  action,, 
a  martyr  to  the  cause  of  his  country,  w^s  severely  felt, 
and  universally  lamented. 

About  this  time,  the  continental  congress  appointed 
George  Washington,  Esq.  a  native  ot  Virginia,  to  the 
chief  command  of  the  American  army.  i'his  gentleman 
had  been  a  distinguished  and  successfui  officer  in  the  pre- 
ceding WAT,  and  seemed  destined  b}  heaven  to  be  the  sav- 
iour ot  his  country.  He  accepted  the  appointment  with 
a  diffidence,  which  was  a  proof  of  his  prudence  and  his 
greatnesb  He  refused  any  pay  for  eight  years  laborious 
and  arduous  service  ;  and,  by  his  matchless  skill,  fortitude, 
and  perseverance,  conducted  America  through  indescriba- 
ble difficulties,  to  independence  and  peace. 

General  Washington,  with  other  officers  appointed  by 
congress,  arrived  at  Cambridge,  and  took  command  of 
the  American  army  in  July.  From  this  time  the  affiiirs 
of  America  beg«n  to  assume  the  appearance  of  a  regular 
and  general  opposition  to  the  forces  (.f  Great- Britain. 

In  autumn,  a  body  of  troops  under  the  command  of 
general  Montgomery,  besieged  and  took  the  garrison  ^ 


UNITED  STATES.  105 

.St.  John's,  which  commands  the  entrance  into  Canada. 
The  prisoners  amounted  to  about  seven  hundred.  Gene- 
ral Montgomery  pursued  his  success,  and  took  Montreal, 
and  designed  to  push  his  victories  to  Quebec. 

A  body  of"  troops,  commanded  by  Arnold,  was  ordered 
to  march  to  Canada,  by  the  river  Kennebec,  and  through 
the  wilderness.  After  suiFering  every  hard.ship,  and  the 
most  uistresvsing  hunger,  {!:ey  arrived  m  Canada,  and  were 
joined  by  genera!  Montgomery  before  Quebec.  This  city, 
which  was  commanded  by  governor  Carlton,  was  imme- 
diately besieged  ;  but,  there  being  little  hope  of  taking  it 
by  a  siege,  it  was  determined  to  storm  it.  The  attack 
was  made  ou  the  last  day  of  December,  but  proved  un- 
.successful  and  fatal  to  the  brave  general,  who,  with  his 
aid,  was  killed,  in  attempting  to  scale  the  walls. 

Of  the  three  divisions,  which"  attacked  the  city,  one  on- 
ly entered,  and  that  was  obliged  to  surrender  to  superior 
force.  After  this  defeat,  Arnold,  who  now  commanded 
the  troops,  continued  some  months  before  Quebec,  al- 
though his  troops  suffered  incredibly  by  cold  and  sickness  ; 
But,  the  next  spring,  the  Americans  were  obliged  to  re- 
treat from  Canada. 

About  this  time  the  large  and  flourishing  town  of  Nor» 
folk,  in  Virginia,  was  wantonly  burnt,  by  order  of  Lord 
Dunmore,  the  royal  governor. 

General  Gage  went  to  England  in  September,  and  was 
succeeded  in  command  by  general  Howe. 

Falmouth,  a  considerable  town  in  the  District  of  Maine^^ 
from  which  Portland  lias  been  since  triken,  shared  the  fate 
of  Norfolk  ;  being  laid  in  ashes  by  order  of  the  British  ad- 
miral. 

The  British  king  entered  into  treaties  with  some  of  the 
German  prinrces,  for  about  seventeen  thousand  men,  who 
were  to  be  sent  to  Anicrica  the  next  year,  to  assist  in  sub- 
duing the  colonies.  The  British  parliament  also  passed 
an  act,  forbidding  all  intercourse  with  America  ;  and, 
while  they  repealed  the  Boston  Port  anc^  Fishery  bills,  they 
declared  all  American  property,  on  the  high  seas,  foifeit- 
ed  to  the  captors. 

This  act  induced  congress  to  change  the  mode  of  carry- 
iag  on  the  war  j  and  measures  were  taken  tp   anuoy  the 


106,  UNITED  STATES. 

©nemy  in  Boston.  For  this  purpose,  batteries  were  erect- 
ed on  several  hills,  from  which  shot  and  bombs  were 
thrown  into  the  town.  But  the  batteries  which  were  open- 
ed on  Dorchester  point  had  the  best  effect,  and  soon  o- 
bilged  general  Howe  to  abandon  the  town.  In  March, 
1776,  the  British  troops  embarked  for  Halifax,  and  gen- 
eral  Washington  entered  the  town  in  triumph. 

In  the  ensuing  sumtner,  a  small  squadron  of  ships,  com- 
manded bv  Sir  Peter  Parker,  and  a  body  of  troops,  under 
g  neralsClinron  and  Cornwailis,  attempted  totake  Charles- 
ton, the  capital  of  South  Carolina,  'i  he  ships  made  a  vi- 
olent attack  upon  the  fort  on  Sullivan's  island,  but  were^i 
reptiised  with  great  loss,  and  the  expedition  was  aban- 
doned. 

in  July,  congress  published  their  declaration  of  Inde- 
;;*  pendence,  which  forever  separated  Americafrom  Great- 
Britain,  This  great  event  took  place  two  hundred  and 
eighty-four  years  after  the  tirst  discovery  of  America  by 
Columbus — one  hundred  and  seventy  from  the  first  effec- 
tual settlement  in  Virginia—and  one  hundred  and  fifty  six 
from  the  first  settlement  of  Plymouth  in  Massachusetts, 
which  were  the  earliest  English  settlements  in  America. 
Just  after  this  declaration,  General  Howe,  with  a  power- 
ful force,  arrived  near  New-York,  and  landed  his  troops 
upon  Staten  Island.  General  Washington  was  in  New- 
York,  with  about  thirteen  thousand  men,  encamped  either' 
in  the  city  or  in  the  neighboring  fortifications. 

The  operations  of  the  British  began  by  the  action  on 
Long  Island  in  the  month  of  August.  The  Americans 
were  defeated,  and  general  Sullivan  and  lord  Sterling, 
with  a  large  body  of  men,  were  made  prisoners.  The 
night  after  the  engagement,  a  retreat  was  ordered  and  ex- 
ecuted with  such  silence  that  the  Americans  'left  the  isl- 
and without  alarming  their  enemies,  and  without  loss. 

In  September,  the  city  of  New- York  was  abandoned  by 
the  American  army,  and  taken  by  the  British  In  No- 
vember, Fort  Washington,  on  York  Island,  was  taken,  and 
more  than  two  thousand  men  made  prisoners.  Fort  Lee, 
opposite  to  fort  Washington,  on  the  Jersey  shore,  was  soon 
after  taken,  but  the  garrison  escaped. 

About  the  same  time,  general  Clinton  was  sent,  with  a. 
body  of  troops,  to  take  possession  of  Rhode  Island  ;  aai 


UNITED  STATES.  107 

succeeded.  In  addition  to  all  these  losses  ard  defeats,  the 
American  army  suffered  by  desertion,  and  more  by  sick- 
ness, which  was  epidemic,  and  very  mortal.  The  north- 
ern army,  at  Ticonderoga,  was  in  a  disagreeable  situation, 
particularly  after  the  battle  of  lake  Champlain,  :n  which 
the  American  force,  consisting  o(  a  few  iigh^:  vessels,  un- 
der the  command  of  generals  Arnold  and  Waterbury, 
was  totally  dispersed.  But  general  Carleton,  instead  of 
pursuing  his  victory,  landed  at  Crown  Point,  reconnoiter- 
ed  the  posts  at  Ticonderoga  and  Mount  Independence, 
and  returned  to  winter  quarters  in  Canada. 

At  the  close  of  this  year,  the  American  army  was  dwin- 
dled to  a  handful  of  men  ;  and  general  Lee  was  taken 
prisoner  in  New- Jersey  Far  from  being  discouraged  at 
these  losses,  congress  took  measures  to  raise  and  establish 
an  army. 

In  this  critical  situation,  general  Washington  surprised 
and  took  a  large  body  of  Hessians,  who  were  cantoned  at 
Trenton  ;  and  soon  after,  another- body  of  British  troops 
at  Princeton.  The  address  in  planning  and  executing  these 
enterprises,  reflected  the  highest  honor  on  the  commander, 
and  the  success  revived  the  desponding  hopes  of  America. 
The  loss  of  general  Mercer,  a  gallant  officer,  at  Princeton, 
was  tlie  principal  circumstance  that  allayed  the  joys  of 
victory. 

The  following  year,  1777>  was  distinguished  by  very 
memorable  events  in  favor  of  America.  On  the  opening 
of  the  campaign,  governor  Tryon  was  sent,  with  a  body 
of  troops,  to  destroy  the  stores  at  Danbury,  in  Coni.ccti- 
cut.  This  plan  was  executed,  and  the  town  mostly  burnt ; 
but  the  enemy  suffered  in  the  retreat,  and  the  Americans 
lost  General  Wooster,  a  brave  and  experienced  officer. 
The  British  general  Prescot  was  taken  from  his  quarters, 
on  Rhode-Island,  by  the  address  and  enterprise  of  colonel 
Barton,  and  conveyed  prisoner  to  the  continent. 

General  Burgoyne,  who  commanded  the  noithern  Brit- 
ish army,  took  possession  of  Ticonderoga,  which  had  been 
abandoned  by  the  Americans.  He  pushed  his  successes, 
crossed  lake  George,  and  encamped  upon  the  banks  of 
the  Hudson,  near  Saratoga.  His  progress,  however,  was 
checked  by  the  defeat  of  colonel  Baum,  n^ar  Bennington, 
in  which  the  undisciplined  militia  of  Veimont  under  gen- 


108  UNITED  SPATES. 

€ral  Stark,  displayed  iinexampled  bravery,  and  captured 
almost  the  whole  detachment. 

The  militia  assembled  from  all  parts  of  New-England 
to  stop  the  progress  of  general  Burgoyne.  These,  with 
the  regular  troops,  formed  a  respectable  army,  command, 
ed  by  general  Gales. 

After  two  severe  actions,  in  which  the  generals  Lincoln 
and  Arnold  behaved  with  uncommon  gallantry,  and  were 
w^ounded,  general  Burgoyne  foxmd  himself  enclosed  with 
brave  troops,  and  was  forced  to  surrender  hfs  whole  army 
amounting  to  ten  thousand  men,  into  the  hands  of  the  A- 
mericans.  This  event  happened  m  October  :  it  diffused 
a  universal  joy  over  America,  and  laid  a  foundation  for 
the  treaty  with  France. 

Before  these  transactions,  the  main  body  of  the  British 
forces  had  embarked  at  New-York,  sailed  up  the  Chesa- 
peak,  and  landed  at  the  head  of  Elk  river,  where  the  ar- 
my soon  began  their  march  for  Philadelphia.  General 
Waslungion  had  determined  to  oppose  them  ;  and,  for  this 
pu'posf,  made  a  stand  upon  the  heights  near  Brandy  wine 
creek.  Here  the  aimies  engaged,  and  the  Americans 
were  cverpr  wcred,  and  suffered  great  loss.  The  enemy 
pursued  their  march,  and  tO(;k  possession  of  Philadelphia, 
towards  the  close  .of  Stptember. 

Not  long  after,  the  two  ai  n.ics  \vere  again  engaged  at 
Germantown,  and,  in  the  beginning  of  the  action,  the  A- 
inericans  had  the  advantage ;  but,  by  some  unlucky  acci- 
dent, the  fortune  of  the  day  was  turned  in  favor  of  the 
British.  Both  sides  suffered  considerable  losses  :  on  the 
side  of  the  Americans,  was  general  Na<-h. 

In  an  attack  upon  the  forts  at  Mud-Island  and  Red 
bank,  the  Hessians  were  unsuccessful,  and  their  command- 
er, colonel  Donop,  killed.  The  British  also  lost  the  Au- 
gusta, a  ship  of  the  line.  But  the  forts  were  afterwaids 
taken,  and  the  navigation  of  the  Delawai-e  oj>encd.  Gen- 
eral Washington  was  reinforced  with  part  of  tht  troops 
which  had  composed  the  jiorthern  army,  under  general 
Gates  ;  and  both  armies  retired  to  winier-quaiters.  * 
In  October,  the  same  month  in  which  general  Burgoyne 
was  taken  at  Saratoga,  genera-  V  'Ughan,  with  a  small 
fleet,  sailed  up  Hudson  river,  and  wantonly  burnt  Kings- 


UNITED  STATES.  109 

ton,  a  beautiful  Dutch  setilement  on  the  west  side  of  the 
river. 

The  beginning  of  the  next  year,  1778,  was  distinguisli- 
ed  by  a  treaty  of  alliance  between  France  and  America  ; 
by  which  the  latter  obtained  a  powerful  ally.  When  the 
English  ministry  were  informed  that  this  treaty  was  on 
foot,  they  despatched  conmiissioners  to  Ameiica  to  at- 
tempt a  reconciliation  :  but  America  would  not  liow  ac- 
cept their  offers.  Early  in  the  spn'ng,  Count  de  E*;- 
taing  with  a  fleet  of  fifteen  sail  of  the  line,  was  sour,  by 
the  court  of  France,  to  assist  America. 

General  Howe  left  the  army,  and  returned  to  England  ; 
the  command  then  devolved  upon  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  In 
June,  the  British  army  left  Philadelphia,  and  marched  for 
New-York.  On  their  march  they  were  annoyed  by  the 
Americans  ;  and  at  Monmouth,  a  very  regular  action  took 
place  between  part  of  the  armies  ;  the  enemy  were  repuls- 
ed with  great  loss  ;  and,  had  General  Lee  obeyed  his  or- 
ders, a  signal  victory  must  have  been  obtained.  For  Iiis 
ill  conduct  that  day,  General  Lee  was  suspended,  and 
never  afterwards  permitted  to  join  the  army, 

In  August,  General  Sullivan,  Vv'ith  a  large  body  of 
troops,  attempted  to  take  possessio)\  of  Rhode-Island,  but 
did  not  succeed.  Sooa  after,  the  stores  and  sliippins)-,  aL 
Bedford  in  Massachusetts,  were  burnt  by  a  party  of  Brit- 
ish troops.  The  same  year,  Savannah,  the  capital  ot" 
Georgia,  was  taken  by  the  British,  under  the  command 
of  Colonel  Campbell. 

In  the  following  year,  1779,  General  Lincoln  v/as  ap- 
pointed to  the  command  of  the  £o\ithern  army.  Governor 
Trynn  and  Sir  George-  Collier  made  an  incursion  into 
Connecticut,  and  burnt,  with  wanton  baibarity,  the  toum 
of  F.iirficld  and  NoTVv-alk.  But  the  American  arnss  were 
crov.'ned  v.-ith  success  in  a  bold  attack  upon  Stonev  Poin: 
which  was  surprised  and  f.iken  l;y  General  Wayne  in  tl.e 
night  cS  the  15th  of  July.  Five  hundred  j"r:cn  were  made 
prisf)ners,  will)  a  small  loss  on  eit.'icr  side. 

A  paily   of  British  forces-attempted,   this  summer  to 

build  a  fort  on  Penobscot  rivtr,  for  ilie  purpose  of  ciutun)- 

timber  in  the  neighboring  forests.     A  plan  v;as   laid,    by 

Massacli'isetts,  to  dislodge  them,  and  a  considerable  flc^- 

K 


HO  UNITED  STATES. 

collected  for  the  purpose.  But  the  plan  failed  of  success, 
and  the  whole  marine  force  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Brit- 
ibh,  except  somo  vessels,  which  were  burnt,  by  the  Amer- 
icans themselves. 

In  October,  General  Lincoln  and  Count  de  Estaing 
made  an  assault  upon  Savani^ah  ;  but  they  were  repulsed 
with  considerable  loss.  In  this  action  the  celebrated  Po- 
liih  Count  Polaski,  who  had  acquired  the  reputation  of  a 
biave  soldier,  was  mortally  wounded. 

In  the  summ.er,  General  Sullivan  marched,  with  a  body 
of  troops,  into  the  Indian  country,  in  the  state  of  New- 
York,  and  burnt  and  destroyed  all  their  provisions  and 
settlements,  that  fell  in  his  way. 

On  the  opening  of  the  campaign,  the  next  year,  1  TSO, 
the  British  troops  left  Rhode  island.  An  expedition  un- 
der General  Clinton  and  Lord  CornwalHs,  was  undertak- 
en against  Charleston,  in  South- Carolina,  where  General 
I^^ncoln  commanded.  This  town  after  a  close  seige  of 
a'-oiit  six  weeks,  was  surrendered  to  the  British  command- 
er ;  and  General  Lincoln,  and  tlie  whole  American  gar- 
rison, V:ere  made  prisoners. 

General  Gates  v.'as  appointed  to  the  command  in  the 
southern  department,  and  another  army  collected.  In  Au- 
gust Lord  Cornwallis  attacked  the  Anieiican  troc  ps  at 
Camden  in  South-Carolina,  and  routed  them  with  consid- 
cra'-le  loss.  He  afterwards  marched  through  the  south- 
ern states,  and  siipposed  tliem  entirely  subdued. 

The  same  summer,  the  British  troops  made  frequent  in- 
cursions from  New-Yoik  into  New-Jersey  ;  ravaging  and 
j;l',indeiing  the  count; y. 

in, July  a  French  fleet,  under  Monsieur  de  Ternay,  witli 
u  b  )dy  of  land  forces,  crrnmanded  by  Count  de  Rocham.- 
beau,  a!  rived  at  R.hode  Island,  to  the  great  joy  of  the  A- 
mt.ric;u:s. 

This  ye.ir  was  also  distinguished  l>y  tl.v  inf^mcus  trta- 
sen  ot  -'vrnoid.  General  Washington,  having  seme  busi- 
ness to  transact  at  Weatlicisheld  in  Connecticut,  left  Ar- 
nolJ  to  command  tlie  important  post  f<f  West  Point,  which 
g\..nds  a  pass  ui  Lud5'..a  livcr,  about  CO  miles  from  Ncv/- 
\(iik.  Arnold's  conduct  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  the 
yrtc^'dmg  winter,  liad  been  cennued  ;  and  the  tjeatn:ent 
iv:  ;t;ccived  in  consequence,   bad  given  him  cfTt-nce.     He 


UNITED  STATES.  Ill 

determined  to  take  revenge  ;  and  for  this  purpose,  he  en- 
tered iiKo  negociations  with  Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  deliver 
West  Piint,  and  the  army,  into  tlie  hands  of  the  British. 
While  General  Washington  was  absent,  he  dismounted 
the  cannon  in  some  of  the  forts,  and  took  other  steps  to 
render  the  taking  of  the  post  easy  to  the  eneniy.  But,  by 
a  providential  discovery,  the  whole  plan  was  defeated. 
Mijor  Andre,  aid  to  General  Clinton,  a  brave  officer,  who 
had  been  sent  up  the  river  as  a  spy,  to  concert  the  plan  of 
operations  wiih  Arnold,  was  taken,  condemned  by  a  court- 
martial,  and  executed.  Arnold  m;jde  his  escape  by  get- 
ting on  board  the  Vulture,  a  Britisli  vessel,  which  lay  in 
the  river.  His  conduct  has  stamped  his  name  with  in- 
tamy.  General  Washington  ariived  in  the  camp  just  after 
Arnold  had  escaped,  and  resroied  order  in  the  ganison. 
After  thri  defeat  of  General  Gates  in  Carolina,  General 
Green  was  appointed  to  the  command  in  ihe  soutJiern  de- 
par  tment.  From  this  period,  things  in  this  quarter  wore 
a  more  favorable  aspect.  Colonel  Tarleton,  the  active 
commander  of  the  British  legion,  was  defeated  by  General 
Morgan,  the  intrepid  commander  of  the  riHomcn. 

Aficr  a  variety  of  movements,  the  two  armies  met  a?: 
Guiltoiu,  in  North  Carolina.  Htre  was  fought  oi^.e  of  the 
seveiest  acticcis  during  the  war.  General  Green  and 
Lord  Cornwaiiis  exerted  themselves  at  the  liead  of  their 
respective  armies  ;  and,  although  the  Americans  woe 
obliged  to  retire  from  the  held,  the  Britisli  arn)y  suffered 
an  immense  loss,  and  could  not  pursue  the  victory,  'i  h's 
act'on  happened  on  the  l,-3lh  of  Maich,  ITS). 

In  the  spring  Arnold,  who  was  made  a  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral in  the  British  service,  with  a  small  number  of  troops, 
sail  \i  lor  Viiginia,  and  plundered  the  country.  This  call- 
ed the  attention  of  the  French  fleet  to  that  quarter ;  and 
a  naval  engagement  took  place  between  the  English  and 
French,  in  which  some  of  the  English  ships  were  much 
damaged,  and  one  entirely  disabled. 

Aker  the  battle  at  Guilford,  General  Green  moved  to- 
v/ards  South-Carolina,  to  drive  the  British  from  their  posts 
in  that  state.  Here  Lord  llawdon  obtained  an  inconsid- 
erable advantage  over  the  Arnei  icans,  near  Camden.  But 
General  Green  more  than  recovered  this  disadvantage,  by 
the  brilliant  and  successful  action  at  the  Eutaw  Springs, 


112  UNITED  STATES. 

where  General  Marian  distinguished  himself,  and  where 
the  brave  Colonel  Washington  was  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner. 

L,ord  Cornwallis,  finding  General  Green  successful  in 
Carolina,  marched  to  Virginia,  collected  his  forces,  and 
fortified  himsel^in  Yorktown.  In  ilie  mean  time,  Arnold 
made  an  incursion  into  Connecticut,  burnt  a  part  of  New- 
i-iondon,  took  Fort  Griswold  by  storm,  and  put  the  gar- 
rison to  the  sword.  This  garrison  consisted  chiefly  of 
men  suddenly  collected  from  the  little  town  of  Groton, 
which,  by  the  savage  cruelty  of  the  British  officer,  who 
commanded  the  attack,  lost,  in  one  hour,  almost  all  its 
heads  of  families.  Th2  brave  Colonel  Ledyard,  who 
commanded  the  fort,  was  slain  with  his  ov.-n  sword,  after 
lie  had  surrendered. 

I'he  Maiqiiis  dc  la  Fayette,  a  brave  and  generous  no- 
bleman, whose  services  demand  the  gratitude  of  every 
.■'\raerican,  had  been  despatched  fiom  the  main  array  to 
vatch  the  motions  of  Lord  Cornwallis  in  Virginia. 

Abo'it  the  last  of  August,  Count  de  Grasse  arrived  with 
a  large  fleer  in  the  Chesapeak,  and  blocked  up  the  British 
iruops  at  Yorktown.  Admiral  Greaves,  with  a  British 
fleet  appeared  off  the  Capes,  and  an  action  succeeded,  but 
;:  vvas  not  decisive. 

General  V.''ash:r!gton  had,  before  this  lime,  moved  tlic 
main  body  of  his  ar.my,  together  with  the  French  troops, 
to  ihe  southward  ;  and  as  soon  as  he  heard  of  the  arrival 
(;1  the  French  fleet  in  the  Chesapeak,  he  made  rapid  march- 
es to  the  head  of  the  Elk,  wl:ere,  embarking,  the  troops 
t'-on  arr!\ed  at  Yorktown. 

A  close  seige  immediately  commenced,  and  was  carried 
on  with  such  vigor,  by  the  combined  forces  of  America 
and  France,  that  Lord  Cornwallis  was  obliged  to  surren- 
der. This  glorious  event,  v/hich  happened  on  the  IQth  of 
October,  1781,  decided  the  contest  in  favor  ot"  America, 
and  laid  the  foundation  of  a  general  peace,  A  few  months 
after  the  surrender  of  Cornwallis,  the  British  evacuated  all 
their  pests  in  South-Carolina  and  Georgia,  cA  retired  to 
ihe  main  arm.y  in  Nev/-York. 

The  next  spring,  17S2,  Sir  Guy  Carleton  arrived  in 
Nev.'-York,  and  took  command  of  the  British  army  in  A- 
merica.     l0imed!ately   after  his   arrival,   he  acquainted 


UNITED  STATES.  lit 

Oen'eral  Washington  and  Congress,  :hat  negociations  for 
a  peace  had  con)menced  at  Paris. 

On  the  30th  of  November,  17S2,  the  provisional  articles  ' 
of  peace  were  signed   at  Paris  ;  by  which   Great   Britain 
acknowledged  the  independence  and  sovereignty  of  the 
United  States  of  America. 

Thus  ended  a  long  and  arduous  conflict,  in  which  Great 
Britain  expended  near  an  hundred  millions  of  money,  with 
an  hundred  thousand  lives,  and  won  nothing.  The  Unit- 
ed States  endured  great  cruelty  and  distress  from  their 
enemies  ;  lost  many  lives  and  much  treasure  ;  but  finally 
delivered  themselves  from  a  foreign  dominion,  and  gained 
a  rank  among  the  nations  of  the  earthi 

From  the  conclusion  of  the  war  to  the  establishment  of 
the  New  Constitution  of  Government,  in  1788,  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  United  States  suffered  many  embarrassments 
from  the  extravagant  importation  of  foreign  luxuries  ; 
from  paper  money  ;  and  particularly  from  the  weakncbs 
and  other  defects  of  the  general  government. 

In  the  summer  of  17H7,  delegates  from  the  several 
states  met  in  convention  at  Philadelpliia,  chose  General 
Washington  their  president,  and  framed  the  present  con- 
stitution of  the  United  States,  which  was  afterwards  rati- 
fied by  the  several  slates. 

On  the  3d  of  March,  1789,  tlie  new  congress  assembled 
at  New-York,  where  a  convenient  and  elegant  building 
had  been  prepared  for  their  accommodation.  On  openin? 
and  counting  the  votes  for  President,  it  was  found  that 
GEOllGE  WASPIINGTON  wa.^  unanimously  clecled  to 
that  dignified  office,  and  that  John  Adams  was  chosen 
Vice-President. 

On  the  30th  of  April,  17S9,  George  Washington 
•was  inaugurated  President  of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica in  the  city  of  New-York.  The  ceremony  was  perform- 
ed-in  the  open  gallery  of  Federal  Hall,  in  the  view  of  ma- 
ny thousand  spectators.  The  oath  was  administered  by 
chancellor  Livingston.  Several  circumstances  concur- 
red to  render  the  scene  unusually  solemn  ;  the  presence  of 
the  beloved  Father  and  Deliverer  of  his  Country  ;  the  im- 
pressions of  gratitude  for  his  past  services  ;  the  vast  con- 
course of  spectators  ;  the  devout  fervency  with  which  he 
repeated  the  oath,  and  the  revereniiui  manner  in  v.'hich  he 
K  2 


114  UNITED  STATES. 

bowed  to  kiss  ihe  sacred  volume  ;  these  circumstances,  tcf" 
gather  with  that  of  his  being  chosen  to  the  most  dignified 
office  in  America,  and,  perhaps,  in  the  world,  by  the 
unanimous  voice  of  more  than  three  millions  of  enlightened 
freem-n,  all  conspired  to  place  this  among  the  most  august 
and  interesting  scenes,  which  have  ever  been  exhibited  on 
this  globe. 

General  Washington  continued  in  this  office  till  the  3d 
of  March,  1797;  and  was  then  succeeded  by  that  vene- 
rable patriot  John  Adams,  Esq.  ;  who  on  the  3d  of  March, 
IS'OJ,  was  superceded  by  Thomas  Jefferson,  Esq  ;  in 
March,  1809  he  resigned  in  favor  of  James  Madison,  Esq. 
who  now  fills  this  high  and  responsible  office. 

In  1  SOS,  a  general  Embargo,  for  an  indefinite  period,  was 
impfised  by  law  on  the  United  States,  which,  at  the  close 
of  one  year  ^fter  it  was  laid,  was  removed.  In  April, 
1S12,  another  Embargo  was  laid  for  90  days,  which  was 
the  precursor  of  War  with  Great  Britain,  v/hich  was  ac- 
cordingly declared,  by  the  Government,  on  the  18th  ot 
Jime  of  this  year. 


MAINE.  n"' 


DISTRICT  OF  iMAINE. 


THE  District  of  Maine,  though  not  of  itself  an  inJ^- 
pendent  state,  but  forming  a  pan  of  the  state  of  Massa- 
chusetts, may,  with  propriety,  occupy  the  first  place  in  a 
description  of  the  states. 

Extent  and  Boundaries.  Maine  extends  from  43  to  48  de- 
grees north  latitude,  and  from  4  to  9  degrees  east  lon- 
gitude ;  its  extent  being  about  ^00  miles  each  way.  It  is 
bounded  north  by  LowerCanada,  east  by  New-Brunswick ; 
south  by  the  Atlantic  ocean,  west  by  New- Hampshire, 
No  part  of  this  district  borders  on  Massachusetts   proper. 

Dhnslous  and  Population.  Maine  is  divided  into  eight 
counties,  viz.  York,  Cumberland,  Kennebec,  Lincoln, 
Hancock,  ^Vashington,  Oxford,  and  Somerset.  These  are 
subdivided  into  upwards  of  two  hundred  incorporated 
townships  containing,  in  1800,  15 J, 71 9,  and  in  1810, 
228,705  inhabitants  ;  gain  in  10  years  77)705 

Face  of  the  Country.  This  district  has  between  200  and 
300  miles  of  sea  coast,  indented  with  numerous  bays  and 
harboi  s.  Though  an  elevated  country,  it  cannot  be  called 
mountainous  It  has  a  large  pioportion  of  dead  swamps. 
The  interior  parts  are  principally  covered  with  ibrests  of 
maple,  beech,  pine,  &c. 

Bays.  The  principal  bays  are  those  of  Saco,  Casco, 
Frenchman's,  Penobscot,  Machias,  and  Passamaquoddy. 
Penobscot  and  Casco  are  full  of  islands,  some  ot  which 
are  large  enough  ibr  townships, 

Lakes.  The  most  noted  lake  in  Maine  is  Sebacook,  18 
miles  northwest  of  Port'and,  equal  in  extent  to  two  town- 
ships There  is  a  collection  of  iakes  in  the  northerly  part 
of  York  county,  called  by  the  general  name  of  Unibagog. 

R'vrs.  St.  Croix  river  forms  part  of  the  eastern  boun.^ 
da'v  between  the  United  States  and  British  America,  and 
fails  in'o  Passamaquoddy  bay. 

Tiie  Penobscot  is  a  noble  river,  rising  from  two  branch- 
es in  the  hi;;h  lands  towards  Ciuada,  :nid  jailing  into  Pe- 
nobscot bay.  It  is  navigable  about  30  miles  above  ib.e 
head  ol  vhe  bay. 


116  .  MAm£. 

The  Kennebec,  20  miles  from  its  meuth,  is  divided  by 
Swan  island,  7  miles  long  ;  24  miles  higher  is  the  head  of 
navigable  water.  Here  is  a  fine  bay  where  vessels  anchor. 
Eighteen  miles  above  this  place  are  Teconic  Falls,  the 
greatest  cataract  in  New-England,  presenting  a  wild  but 
delightfnl  prospect.  Just  below  the  falls  the  Sebasticook' 
joins  the  Kennebec,  and  swells  it  one  third. 

Sheepscot  river  is  navigable  20  or  30  miles,  and  emp- 
ties into  the  sea  a  little  eastward  of  Kennebec. 

Androscoggin  river  is  the  main  branch  of  the  Kenne- 
bec, and  joins  it  at  Merry  Meeting  Bay,  20  miles  from 
the  sea. 

Saco  river  is  among  the  considerable  rivers  in  this  dis^ 
trict.  The  principal  part  of  its  waters  fall  from  the  White 
Mountains;  after  a  windirfg  course,  it  falls  into  the  seaj 
at  Pepperellborough.  It  \i  navigable  for  large  vessels  to 
Saco  falls. 

Soil  and  Productions.  The  soil,  in  general,  is  friendly  to 
the  growth  of  wheat,  lye,  barley,  oats,  peas,  hemp,  flax, 
and  almost  all  culinary  roots  and  plants.  Indian  corn  al- 
so flourishes,  if  the  seed  be  brought  from  a  more  northern 
climate.  Hops  are  the  spontaneoss  growth  of  the  coun- 
try. The  pastures  are  good,  and  afford  subsistence  to 
large  herds  of  cattle. 

The  forests  consist  of  white  pine  and  spruce  trees,  in 
large  quantities,  suitable  for  masts,  boards,  and  shingles, 
maple,  beech,  white  and  grey  oak, birch, and  fir.  The  biich 
is  used  for  cabinet  work,  and  is  little  inferior  to  mahogany. 
The  fir  yields  a  balsam  that  is  highly  prized  ;  it  is  an  ev- 
er p-reen,  resembling  the  spruce,  bat  not  so  large. 

Manufacturer  and  Commerce.  There  are  yet  but  lew  man- 
ufactures in' this  district,  except  those  of  boards  and  shin- 
gles,  which  are  exported  in  large  quantities,  and  are  the 
principal  ajticles  of  commerce,  which  the  country  affords. 
Many  families  manufacture  the  v;oollen  and  linen  ch)ths 
needed  for  their  own  dorotstic  uses. 

Minerals.  Mountain  and  bog  iron  ore  have  been  found, 
drid  works  erected  for  their  manufacture.  Copperas  and 
sulphur  are  found  in  the  county  of  York. 

Literature.  Bowdoin  college,  in  Brunswick,  is  endowed 
with  ample  funds  by  the  legislature  and  by  the  benefaction 
of  the  Hon,  James  Bowdoin,     It  was  opened  in  Sept 


MAINE.  lir 

1802,  and  is  now  flourishing.     Several  academies  are  in- 
oorporated,  and  town  schools  are  generally  supported. 

Chief  Towns.  Portland,  situated  on  a  promontory  in 
Casco  Bay,  is  the  capital  of  Mdine.  It  has  an  excellent 
harbor  near  the  ocean,  and  is  easy  of  access.  It  contain- 
ed in  1810,  7,169  inhabitants  who  carry  on  a  considerable 
foreign  trade.  Among  its  public  buildings,  are  three 
churches  for  Congregational ists,  one  for  Episcopalians, 
and  a  court  house. 

York,  70  miles  northeast  from  Boston,  is  the  chief  town 
o^  York  county. 

Hallov/ell  is  a  very  flourishing  town,  situated  at  the 
head  of  the  tide  waters  on  Kennebec  river.  Auousta, 
Bath,  Wiscasset,  Buckstown,  and  Machias  are  also 
towns  of  considerable  and  increasing  importance  Ban- 
gor, situaled  at  the  head  of  the  tide  waters  on  Penobscot 
river,  Ivittery,  Weils,  Berwick,  North-Yarmouth,  East- 
port,  and  Waldoborough,  are  the  otlier  most  considerable 
towns 

Indian:,  The  remains  of  the  Penobscot  tribe  are  the  on- 
ly Indians  who  make  their  residence  in  this  district.  They 
consist  of  about  100  families,  and  live  together  at  Indian 
Old  Town,  which  is  situated  on  an  island  of  about  200  a- 
cres,  in  Penobscot  river,  just  above  the  great  falls.  They, 
are  Roman  Catholics,  and  have  a  priest,  who  resides  among 
them  and  administers  the  ordinances.  They  have  a  de- 
cent house  for  public  worship,  with  a  bell,  and  another 
building,  where  they  meet  to  transact  the  public  business 
of  their  tribe.  In  their  assemblies,  all  things  are  managed 
with  the  greatest  order  and  decorum.  The  sachems  form 
'the  legislative  and  executive  authority  of  the  tiibe  ;  though 
the  heads  of  all  llie  families  are  invited  to  be  present  at 
their  public  periodical  meetings. 

Islands.      The  wliole  coast  of  Maine  is  shielded  by  nu 
merous  islands  of  various  forms  and  sizes.     Mount  De- 
sert, on  the  coast  of  Hancock  cou-nty,  is  15  miles  lon^ 
by  12  broad.      It  is  a  valuable  tract  of  land,  notwithstand- 
ing its  name,  and  contains  1  I2i  inhabitants. 

Long  Island,  in  the  centre  of  Penobscot  bay,  is  \5 
miles  long,  and  2  or  3  broad,  and  has  about  400  inhab- 
itanis.     It  forms  a  township  by  the  name  ef  Isleborough. 


US  NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

Near  this  is  Defr  Island,  which  is  also  an  incorporated 
town.  There  are  m;iny  other  small  islands  in  the  bay. 
Casco  bay  contains  a  multitude  of  islands 

Seugin  Island  stands  at  the  mouth  of  Kennebec  riv- 
er. A  light  house  on  this  island  has  a  repeating  light, 
which  is  made  to  disappear  every  ninety  seconds,  to  dis- 
tinguish it  from  Portland  light-bouss. 


NEVvMIAMPSMIRE. 


Silu.i/kn  and  Extent.  NEW-HAMPSHIRE  cxLends 
from  4'2^  4F  to  45=  11'  north  latitude,  and  from  2"  41'  t© 
A:^  '29'  cast  longitude.  Its  shape  is  nearly  that  of  a  right 
an?led  ttiangle  ;  tlie  length  being  168  miles,  the  greaiest 
breadth  90,  and  the  least  18  miles.  It  contains  6,()74',i-'.4'0 
acres,  (of  which  100,000  are  water,)  or  9,500  square  miles. 
Boundaries.  Bounded  on  the  north  by  Lower  Canad;i, 
east  by  the  District  of  Maine,  south  by  Massachusetts, 
west  by  Vermont. 

Divisions   and  Populalim.      New-Hampshire   is    divided 
into  six  counties,  viz. 

lnh;;l)itaiits.  Inhabitants. 

Cheshire  4-0,9?58 

Grafton  28,462 

Coos  3  99L 


Rockingliam  .GO,  175 

Strafford    '  41,595 

Hillsborouph  40,219 


Total     2 !  4,460 
Whole  number  in  1800,      183,854 


Increase  in  10  years     30,602 
Most  of  the  towns  are  six  miles  square,  and  the  whole 
niimber  of  towns  and  locations,  is  about  two  hundred  and 
fourteen. 

Face  of  the  Country.  This  state  has  but  about  18  miles 
of  sea  coast,  which  forms  its  southeast  corner.  The  shore 
is  mostly  a  sandy  beech,  adjoining  which,  are  salt  marshes 
intersected  by  creeks.     From  the  sea,  no  remarkable  high 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE.  119 

lands  appear  nearer  than  20  or  30  miles ;  then  commenc- 
es a  mountainous  country.  The  lands  bordering  on  Con- 
necticut river,  are  interspersed  with  extensive  meadows  or 
intervals,  rich  and  well  watered. 

Mountains.  New-Hampshire  is  intersected  by  several 
ranges  of  mountains,  the  principal  of  which,  is  the  lofty 
ridge,  that  divides  the  branches  of  Connecticut  and  Mer- 
rimac  rivers,  called  xhe  Height  of  Land.  In  this  ridge- is 
the  celebrated  Monadnoc  mouiitain  ;  30  miles  norrh  of 
which  is  Sunapee,  and  48  miles  further  is  Moosehillock 
mountain.  The  ridge  is  then  continued  northerly,  divid- 
ing the  waters  of  Connecticut  river  from  those  of  Saco  and 
Androscoggin.  The  most  elevated  sunimiis  of  this  range, 
are  the  White  Mountains,  the  highest  land  in  New-England. 
'J  hese  are  seen  at  the  distance  of  80  niiies  on  land,  and 
are  discovered  by  vessels  at  sea  long  before  any  part  of  the 
coast  is  visible.  By  reason  of  iheir  white  appearance, 
they  are  often  mistaken  for  clouds. 

Harbors.  The  only  harbor  for  ships  in  this  state  is  that 
of  Portsmouth,  formed  by  tiie  mouth  of  Piscataqua  river, 
the  shores  of  which  are  rocky. 

Lakes.  Winnipiseogee  lake  is  the  largest  collection  of 
vs-ater  in  New-Hampshire.  It  is  twenty-four  miies  long, 
and  of  very  unequal  breadth,  from  three  to  twelve  miles. 
It  is  full  of  islands,  and  is  supplied  with  numerous  rivulets 
from  the  surrounding  mountains.  It  is  frozen  about  three 
i  months  in  the  year,  and  many  sleighs  and  teams  from  the 
circumjacent  towns  cross  it  on  the  ice.  In  summer,  it  is 
navigable  its  whole  lengtli. 

The  other  considerable  lakes  a:e  Umbagog,  in  the 
northeast  corner  of  the  stale,  and  partly  in  the  District  of 
Maine,  Squam,  Sunapee,  Great  Ossipee,  and  Massabesic. 
Rivers.  Five  of  the  largest  streams  in  New- England 
receive  more  or  less  of  their  waters  from  this  state.  These 
are  Connecticut,  Androscoggin,  Saco,  Merrimac,  and  Pis- 
c.Uaqua  rivers. 

Ci  'iucccicut  river  rises  in  the  highlands,  which  separate 
the  XJi;ited  Slates  from  Lowei  Canada.  Its  general  course 
is  S.  y.  W.  It  extends  along  the  v/cstern  side  of  New- 
Hampshiie,  separating  it  from  Vermont,  about  170  miles, 
and  ihea  passes  into  M;issachusetts.  Besides  smaller 
■■itUMms,     it     receives     fu^ni     New  Harripshiie,    E^ppcT 


e 


-«*^ 


120  NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

Amonoosuc,  Israel's  river,  John's  river,  Great  or  Lower 
Amonoosuc,  Sugar,  Cold,  and  Ashuelot  rivers.  In  its 
xourse  between  New- Hampshire  and  Vermont,  it  has  two 
considerable  falls  ;  the  first  are  calJed  Fifteen  Mile  Falls, 
between  Upper  and  Lower  Coos  ;  the  river  is  rapid  for 
20  miles.  At  Walpole,  is  a  second  remarkable  fall,  for- 
merly known  by  the  name  of  the  Great  Fall,  now  denom- 
inated Bellows's  Falls.  In  1784  a  bridge  of  timber  was 
constructed  over  this  fall,  365  feet  long  and  supported  in 
the  middle  by  a  great  rock,  under  which  the  highest  floods 
pass  without  detriment. 

This  beautiful  river  in  its  whole  length  is  lined  on  each 
side  with  a  great  number  of  the  most  flourishing  and 
pleasant  towns  in  the  United  States.  In  its  whole  course 
it  preserves  a  distance  of  from  80  to  100  miles  from  the 
sea-coast. 

Mejrimac  river  is  formed  by  the  confluence  of  Pemige- 
wasset  and  Winnipiseogee  rivers.  After  the  Pemigewas- 
set  receives  the  waters  of  the  "Winnipiseogee,  it  takes  the 
name  ot  Merrimac ;  and,  pursuing  a  course  of  about  SO 
miles,  first  in  a  southerly,  then  in  an  easterly  direction,pass- 
irg  over  Hookset,  Amoskeag,  and  Pautuket  falls,  it  emp- 
ties into  the  sea  at  Newbury  port.  From  the  west,  it  re- 
ceives Blackwater,  Contoocook,  Piscataquoak,  Souhegan, 
Nashua,  and  Concord  rivers  ;  from  the  east,  Bowcook, 
Suncook,  Cohas,  Beaver,  Spicket,  and  Powow  rirers. 
Contoocook  heads  near  Monadnoc  mountain,  is  very  rap-  . 
id,  and  10  or  12  miles  from  its  mouth,  is  100  yards  w'fle. 
Just  before  its  entrance  into  the  Merrimac,  it  brunches 
and  forms  a  beautiful  island  of  about  five  or  six  acres. 

The  Piscataqua  is  the  only  large  river,  whose  whole 
course  is  in  New- Hampshire.  From  its  form  and  tire  sit- 
uation of  its  l.ranches,  it  is  favourable  to  the  purpose  of 
navigation  and  commerce.  A  bridge  has  been  creeled 
over  this  river,  six  miles  above  Portsmouth,  2000  feet  in 
length. 

Soil  and  Product'tcns.  The  soil,  in  gcnernl,  is  rich  ard 
productive.  The  land  on  the  margins  of  the  rivers,  is  es- 
teemed best  for  grain,  and  the  hills  for  pasture.  Agri- 
culture is  the  chief  business  of  ihe  inhabitants.  Beef, 
pork,  mutton,  poui'ry,  whewt,  rye.  Indian  corn,  barley, 
■ptilie,  butter,  cheese,  flax,  hemp,  heps,  esculent  plants 


NEW- HAMPSHIRE.  1^1 

aftd  roots,  articles  which  always  find  a  majket,  may  be 
produced  in  almost  any  quantiiy  in  the  state.  Apples 
and  pears  are  the  most  common  and  the  principal  irults 
that  are  cultivated. 

Manufactures.  The  people  in  the  coimtry  generally 
mam'.facture  their  own  clothing,  and  considerable  quanti- 
ties of  tow  cloth  for  exportation.  The  other  manufac- 
tures are  pot  and  pearl  ashes,  maple  sugar,  bricks  and  pot- 
tery, and  some  iron. 

Public  J.nprovements.  The  falls  in  Merrimac  river,  from 
the  mouth  of  the  Middlesex  canal  to  Salisbury,  have  been 
locked,  and  other  obstructions  to  boat  navigation  removed, 
which  opens  a  water  communication,  by  boats,  with  Bos- 
ton, through  the  Middlesex  canal,  for  a  great  part  of 
New-Hampshire  and  Veimont.  \,  canal  has  been  cut 
through  an  extensive  marsh,  which  opens  an  inland  navi- 
gation from  Hampton  through  Salisbury  into  Merrimac 
liver,  8  miles. 

Commerce.  The  principal  articles  of  export  from  New» 
Hampshire,  are  pine  boards,  oak  plank,  staves  and  head- 
ing, clapboards  and  shingles,  and  other  articles  of  lumber, 
dried  and  pickled  fish,  whale  oil,  tar,  flax  seed,  berf,  live- 
stock, bricks,  pot  and  pearl  ashes,  &c.  The  imports  are 
West-India  produce,  and  articles  cf  European  manufac- 
ture, salt,  steel  lead,  and  sea-coal. 

Literature.  The  peculiar  attention  which  has  lately  been 
paid  to  schools,  by  the  legislature,  presents  a  pleasing 
prospect  of  tlie  increase  of  literature  in  this  state.  Theic 
are  several  academies,  incorporated  with  ample  funds  ; 
one  at  Exeter  has  a  fund  of  80,000  dollars,  and  from  60 
to  80  students. 

The  only  college  In  the  state,  is  at  Hanover,  situated 
on  a  beautiful  plain,  near  Connecticut  river,  in  latitude 
43 '  SO'.  It  is  called  Dartmouth  college,  after  the  Right 
Hon  William  Dartmouth,  one  of  its  principal  benefac- 
tors. The  funds  of  the  college  are  chiefly  in  lands,  a- 
mounting  to  about  80,000  acres,  which  are  increasing  in 
value.  It  is  among  the  most  flourishing  literary  institu- 
tions in  the  United  States. 

Chief  Towns.  Portsmouth  is  the  largest  town  in  this 
state.  It  is  about  2  miles  from  the  sea  on  the  south  side 
of  Piscataqua  river,  containing  abiput  G40  dwelling  housM> 


122  NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

and  nearly  as  many  other  buildings,  besides  those  for  pub- 
lic uses  ;  which  are,  thiee  Congregational  churches,  one 
Episcopal,  one  Universalist,  one  Baptist,  a  state  house, 
market  house,  four  school  houses,  and  a  workhouse. 

Exeter  is  15  miles  southwest  from  Portsmouth,  situat- 
ed at  the  head  of  navigation,  upon  Swam  scut,  or  Exeter 
river.  It  is  well  situated  for  a  manufacturing  town.  The 
public  buildings  are  two  Congregational  churches,  an  a- 
cademy,  a  new  and  handsome  court  house,  and  a  gaol. 

Concord  is  a  pleasant,  flourishing  inland  town,  on  the 
west  bank  of  Merrimac  river,  S'i  miles  W.  N.  W.  from 
Portsmouth.  The  general  court  commonly  hold  their  ses- 
rions  here  ;  and  from  its  central  situation,  and  a  thriving 
Lack  country,  it  will  probably  soon  become  the  permanent 
seat  of  government.  Much  of  the  trade  of  the  upper  coun- 
try centres  in  this  town.    It  had  in  1 810,  2,393  inhabitants. 

Dover,  Amherst,  Keene,  Charlestown,  Plymouth,  and 
Plaverhill,  are  the  other  most  considerable  towns  in  this 
state. 

Curiosities.  In  the  township  of  Chester,  is  a  circular 
eminence,  half  a  mile  in  diameter,  and  400  feet  high,  call- 
ed Rattlesnake  hill.  On  the  south  side,  ten  yards  from  its 
base,  is  the  entrance  of  a  cave,  called  the  Devil's  Den,  in 
which  is  a  room,  fifteen  or  twenty  feet  square,  and  four 
feet  high,  floored  and  circled  by  a  regular  rock,  from  the 
upper  part  of  which,  are  dependent  many  excrescences, 
nearly  in  the  form  and  size  of  a  pear,  and,  when  approach- 
ed by  a  torch,  tlirow  out  a  sparkling  lustre  of  almest  every 
hue.  Many  frightful  stories  have  been  told  of  this  cave, 
by  those  who  delight  in  the  marvellous.  It  is  a  cold, 
dreary,  and  gloomy  place. 

In  the  town  of  Durham,  is  a  rock,  computed  to  weigh 
sixty  or  seventy  tons,  which  lies  so  exactly  poised  on  anoth- 
er rock,  that  it  may  be  moved  with  one  finger. 

In  a  meadov/,  in  Atkinson,  is  an  island  of  six  or  seven 
acres,  that  rises  and  falls  with  the  water  of  the  meadow, 
which  is  sometimes  six  feet. 

On  the  plain  of  Dartmouth  college,  one  hundred  feet 
above  the  bed  of  Connecticut  river,  logs  of  timber  have 
been  dug  up,  thirty  feet  below  the  surface  of  the  ground. 
It  is  supposed,  that  this  elevated  plain  was  once  the  bed 
of  the  river,  '      -^ 


VERMONT. 


123 


VERMONT. 


Extent^  Situation,  and  Bnuniia^rics.  THE  length  of  Ver- 
inont,  from  north  to  south,  is  about  157^  miles;  the 
northern  boundary  line  is  only  9  miles  long,  and  the 
southern  is  about  40  miles.  Estimating  the  mean  widiii 
at  Go  miles,  it  will  give  an  area  of  10,2372-  square  miles. 
It  is  situated  between  42  and  45-  degrees  N.  latitude,  and 
between  1°  35'  and  S"  30'  E.  longitude.  It  is  bounded 
N.  by  Lower  Canada,  E.  by  Connecticut  river,  separat- 
ing it  from  New-Hampshire,  S.  by  Massachusetts,  W.  by 
New-York,  No  part  of  the  state  approaches  nearer  ihaa 
80  or  <jO  miles  to  tlie  ocean. 

Divisions  and  Population.  Vermont  is  naturally  divided 
nearly  in  the  centre  by  the  Green  mountain,  running  fioni 
noith  to  south  ;  its  civil  divisions  are  twelve  counties,  a^^ 
iollows  :. 


Counties. 

Census  in 

Census  in 

Chief  Towns. 

1800. 

1810. 

Bennington 

14,607 

15,893 

Bennington 

Windham 

sy.^si 

26,760 

Brattleboro' 

Rutland 

23,8;j4 

29,487 

Rutland 

Windsor 

2G,969 

34,878 

Windsor 

y\ddison 

13,417 

19,993 

Middlcbury 

Orange 

18,239 

25,247 

Chelsea 

Cinttenden 

1J,490 

18,120 

Burlington 

Caledonia 

9,332 

18,740 

Danvihe 

Franklin 

7,573 

16,427 

St.  Al ban's 

Orleans 

1,439 

5,838 

Craftsbury 

Essex 

1,479 

3,087 

Guildhall 

Grand  Isle 

2,489 

3,445 

North  Her© 

Total     154,449 


217,915 


The  counties  on  Connecticut  river,  from  south  to  north, 
are  Windham,  Windsor,  Orange,  Caledonia,  Essex  ;  in  ;5. 
similar  direction  along  the  New- York  line,  are  the  coun- 


}24  VERMONf. 

ties  of  Bennington,  Rutland,  Grand  Isle,  Addison,  Chit- 
tenden and  Franklin  ;  between  the  !asi  and  Essex,  lies  the 
county  of  Orleans,  on  the  north  line  of  the  state.  Those 
are  subdivided  into  upwards  of  230  towns. 

Fa-c  of  the  Country.  The  f.ice  of  the  country  exhibits 
Tery  different  prospects-.  Adj:!;ning  the  rivers,  are  esten- 
iiive  p'uins ;  at  a  small  distance  from  them,  the  land  rises 
into  a  chain  of  high  mountains,  intersected  with  long  and 
«^tp  vallics.  Descending  from  the  mountains,  the  streams 
and  rivers  appear  in  every  part  of  the  country,  affording 
a  plentiful  supply  of  water. 

Lakes  and  Rivers.  The  greatest  part  of  lake  Champlaiii 
is  in  this  slate.  It  is  100  miles  long,  and  12  broad,  ccn- 
laining  several  islands.  Lake  Memphreraagog  lies  part- 
ly in  Vermont,  and  partly  in  Lower  Canada.  Small  lakes 
or  ponds  are  very  numerous. 

All  the  streams  and  rivers  in  Vermont,  which  are  very 
numerous,  rise  among  the  Green  mountains ;  about  ':i5 
)  (in  east  into  Connecticut  river  ;  25  run  westerly,  paying 
rlieir  tribute  to  lake  Champlain  ;  and  two  or  three,  rnn- 
iiing  in  the  same  direction,  fall  into  Hudson  river.  In  the 
lioriherly  parts,  several  streams  run  N.  discharging  their 
waters  into  lake  Memphremagog,  and,  from  thence 
through  the  river  St.  Francis,  flow  into  the  St.  Lawrence. 

The  largest  rivers  on  the  west  of  the  mountains,  falling 
into  lake  Champ'ain,  are  Otter  Cret^k,  Onion,  La  Moille, 
und  Missiscoui.  On  the  cast  side,  the  rivers  are  not  so 
larg,-^,  bat  they  are  more  numerous.  West  river,  White 
river,  ar,d  Passumsic,  '^re  the  largest, 

Alountalns.  Through  this  state  there  is  one  continued 
range  of  mountains,  which,  from  the  perpetual  verdure  of 
their  trees,  are  called  the  Green  Mountains,  and  give  their 
nanje  to  the  whole  state.  They  extend  from  Lower  Can- 
ada, tliron.gh  Vermont,  MassacJiUsetts,  and  Connecticut. 
Their  reneral  direction  is  from  northeast  to  southwest, 
and  their  extent  is  not  less  than  400  mues. 

Sot!  and  Priductions.  They  have  a  variety  of  excellent 
lands  in  Vermont,  which  produce  wheat,  and  many  other 
i,orts  of  grain,  in  abundance.  There  are  extensive  pas- 
tu;  es,  and  some  of  the  finest  beef  cattle  in  the  world  are 
raised  in  this  state.  Many  kinds  of  fruit  grow  here. 
li.ick    from   the  rivers  the  land  is  thickly   covered  with. 


VERMONT.  125. 

Birch,  maple,  ash,  butternut,  and  white  oak  of  an  excel- 
lent quality. 

Minerals.  Iron  and  lead  ores,  pipe  clay,  which  has  been 
wrought  into  durable  crucibles,  and  vast  quantities  of 
white,  grey,  and  variegated  marble,  have  been  found  in 
various  parts  of  this  state. 

Manufacture!.  A  great  number  of  forges  and  furnaces 
are  erected  for  the  manufacture  of  iron  ;  in  which  are 
made  bar  iron  and  nails,  and  various  articles  of  iron  and 
steel. 

The  other  chief  manufactures  are  pot  and  pearl  ashes, 
maple  sugar,  and  spirits,  distilled  from  grain.  Most  of 
the  families  manufacture  a  great  part  of  their  clothing. 

Trade.  The  commerce  of  Verrnont  is  chiefly  with  Bos- 
ton, Portland,  Hartford,  New- York,  Montreal,  and  Que- 
bec, to  which  places  they  transport  horses,  beef,  pork, 
butter,  cheese,  wheat,  flour,  iron,  nails,  pot  and  pearl 
ashes. 

Literature.  The  general  assembly  of  Vermont  have 
established  two  colleges,  one  at  Builington  and  one  at 
Middlebury.  They  are  yet  in  their  infancy,  but  promise 
great  usefulness*  The  latter  has  upwards  of  one  hun- 
dred students.  No  country  is  more  attentive  to  educa- 
tion. Common  schools  are  supported  in  every  neighbor- 
hood ;  many  of  the  principal  towns  have  grammar  schools; 
and  there  are  several  incorporated  academies. 

Chief  Toiuns.  The  legislature  have  not  yet  established 
any  permanent  seat  of  government  ;  but,  at  ihe  clos',*  of 
each  session,  adjourn  to  such  place  as  they  think  proper. 

Bennington,  near  the  southwest  corner  of  the  state,  is 
one  of  the  oldest  towns,  and  had  in  1810,  2,521'  inhabit- 
ants, a  meeting  house,  academy,  court  house,  and  gaol. 
Windsor,  upon  Connecticut  river,  is  a  beautiful  town,  of 
about  2,757  inhabitants.  Rutland,  upon  Otter  Creek,  con- 
tains 2,379  inhabitants.  Guilford,  Brattleljorough,  Put- 
ney, Westminster,  Norwich  and  Newbury,  all  on  Connecti- 
cut river,  are  pleasant  and  flourishing  towns.  Vergcnncs 
stands  on  the  lower  falls  of  Otter  Creek.  Vessels  of  ai>y 
burden  come  up  to  the  falls,  which  arc  thronged  with 
m  ills. 

Curiosities.     In  the  town  of  Clarendon,  on  tiic  side  of  a 
small  hill,  is  a  very  curiou?  cave.     The  cli.ism.  at  it:  cn« 
L  2 


126  MASSACHUSETTS. 

traiKe,  is  about  4  feet  in  circumference.  Enteiing  this, 
you  descend  101-  feet,  and  then  opens  a  spacious  room,  20 
feet  in  breadtli,  and  100  feet  in  length  ;  the  roof  of  this 
cavern  is  of  rock,  through  which  the  water  is  continually- 
percolating.  The  stalactites  which  hang  from  the  roof 
appear  like  icicles  on  the  eves  of  houses,  and  are  continu- 
ally increasing  in  number  and  magnitude.  The  bottom 
and  sides  are  daily  incrusting  with  spar  and  other  mineral 
substances.  On  the  sides  of  this  subterraneous  hall,  are 
tables,  chai/s,  &c.  which  appear  to  have  been  artificially 
carved.  This  richly  ornamented  room,  when  illuminated 
with  the  candles  of  the  guides,  has  an  enchanting  effect 
lipon  the  eye  of  the  spectator.  At  the  end  of  this  cave  is 
a  circular  hole,  i. 5 -feet  deep,  apparently  hewn  out,  in  a 
conical  form,  enlarging  gradually  as  you  descend,  in  form 
of  a  sugar  loaf.  At  tlie  bottom,  is  a  spring  of  fresh  wa- 
ter, in  continual  motion,  like  the  boiling  of  a  pot.  Its 
depth  has  never  been  sounded. 

in  some  low  lands,  over  against  the  Great  Ox  Bow,  is 
a  remarkable  spring,  which  dries  up  once  in  two  or  three 
years,  and  bursts  out  in  another  place.  It  has  a  strong 
smell  of  sulphur,  and  throws  up  a  peculiar  kind  of  white 
sand.  A  thick  yellow  scum  rises  upon  the  water  when 
seltled. 

Dr.  Williams  has  written  the  best  history  of  this  state. 


MASSACHUSETTS  PROPER.* 


Situation  and  Extent.  THE  state  of  Massachusetts,  ex- 
clusive of  the  District  of  Maine,  lies  between  ^l**  13'  and 
4-3°  52'  north  latitude,  and  between  1°  SO'  and  5°  11' east 
longitude.  The  northern  line  of  this  state  is  about  11(> 
miles  long  ;  its  southern  boundary,  from  the  southwest 
corner  to  Cape  Cod,  is  190.  Its  western  line  is  about  50 
miles  ;  in  some  places  it  is  wider,  in  others  much  narrow- 
er.    It  is  supposed  to  contain  6250  square  miles. 

*Tv'.i  r-ti::lc  ;rc.it>  of  rto  topic  relLirinj  t-o  the  District  of  Maine 


MASSACHUSETTS.  127 

Boundaries.  Massachusetts  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
VermoiiL  dnd  New- Hampshire  ;  en  si  by  the  Atlantic  o- 
cean  ;  souih  by  the  Atlantic,  Rhode-Island,  and  Connecti- 
cut ;  west  by  New-York. 

Divisions  and  Population.  This  part  of  the  state  is  divid- 
ed into  14-  counties,  viz. 


Counties. 

Inhabitants 

Counties. 

Inhabitants 

in  1810. 

in  1810. 

Suffolk 

34-,3Sl 

Plymouth 

35,195 

Norfolk 

31,24-5 

Bristol 

37,168 

Essex 

71,888 

Barnstable 

21,993 

Middlesex 

52,789 

Duke's  County 

3,290 

Franklin 

) 

Nantucket 

6,»07 

Hampshiie 

y         76,192 

Worcester 

64,900 

Hampden 

i 

Berkshire 

35,782 

The  whole  number  of  towns  is  280.  The  whole  num- 
ber of  inhabitants,  in  1800,  was  422,630,  and  in  1810, 
471,640;  increase  in  10  years,  49:010;  number  of  in- 
habitants to  each  square  mile,  75.  There  are  no  slaves  in 
Massachusetts. 

Face  of  the  Country.  The  coast  of  Massachusetts  is  in- 
dented with  numerous  bays.  The  western  part  of  the 
state  is  hilly.  Wachusett  mountain,  45  miles  northwest 
of  Boston,  is  2989  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  Mount 
Tom,  in  Hampshire  county,  is  1237  feet  above  the  water 
of  Connecticut  river,  which  makes  its  base.  Mount  Ho- 
lyoke,  in  Hadley,  is  nearly  as  high  ;  and  from  its  top  is  a 
most  beautiful  prospect.  In  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  are 
some  hills  of  considerable  height  ;  but,  except  the  coun- 
ties of  Hampshire  and  Berkshire,  Massachusetts  is  gener- 
ally a  level  country. 

Bays  and  Capes.  The  principal  bay  is  that  called  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay,  formed  by  Cape-Ann  on  the  north,  and 
Cape-Cod  on  the  south  Cape-Cod  receives  its  name  from 
the  fish  taken  on  that  coast.  On  the  south  side  of  the 
cape,  is  the  harbor  of  Provincetown,  the  first  port  entered 
by  tlie  Forefathers  of  New-England,  in  1620,  whence  they 
proceeded  to  Plymouth. 

Rivers.  Housatonic  river  rises  from  several  sources  in 
the  western  part  of  this  stale,  and  flows  southerly  through 
Connecticut,  into  Long  Island  Sound.  Deerfield  river 
falls  into  Connecticut  river  from  the  west,  between  Deer- 


128  MASSACHUSETTS. 

field  and  Greenfield.  Westfield  river  empties  into  the 
Connecticut  at  West-Springfield. 

Connecticut  river  passes  through  this  state,  and  inter- 
sects the  county  of  Hampshire.  In  its  course,  it  runs  over 
fells  above  Deerfield,  and  between  Northampton  and 
Springfield.  Miller's  and  Chlcapee  rivers  fall  into  Con- 
necticut on  the  east  side;  the  former  at  Northfield,  the 
latter  at  Springfield. 

In  the  eastern,  part  of  the  state,  is  Merrimac  river, 
navigable  for  vessels  of  burden  about  20  miles  from  its 
mouth. 

Nashua,  Concord,  and  Shawsheen  rivers,.rise  in  this 
state,  and  run  a  northeasterly  course  into  the  Merrimac. 
Ipswich  and  Chebacco  rivers  pass  through  the  town  of 
Ipswich  into  Ipswich  bay.  Mystic  river  falls  into  Boston 
harbor  east  of  the  peninsula  of  Charlestown.  It  is  navi- 
gable three  miles  to  Medford. 

Charles  river  is  a  considerable  stream,  which  passes  in- 
to Boston  harbor,  between  Charlestown  and  Boston.  It 
is  navigable  for  boats  to  Watertown,  7  miles. 

Neponset  river,  after  passing  over  falls,  sufficient  to  car- 
ry mills,  unites  with  other  small  streams,  and  forms  a  ve- 
ry constant  supply  of  water  for  the  many  mills  situated  on 
the  river  below,  until  it  meets  the  tides  in  Milton,  from 
whence  It  Is  navigable  for  vessels  of  150  tons  burden,  to 
\he  bay,  distant  about  4>  miles. 

North  river  runs  in  a  serpentine  course  between  Scitu- 
ate  and  Marshfield,  and  passes  to  the  sea.  Taunton  river 
is  made  up  of  several  streams,  which  unite  in  or  near  the 
town  of  Bridgewater.  Its  course  is  from  northeast  to 
southwest,  till  it  falls  into  Nairaganset  Bay,  at  Tiver- 
ton opposite  to  the  north  end  of  Rhode  Island. 

Soil  and  Productions.  A  great  variety  of  soils  are  found 
in  Massachusetts,  yielding  all  the  diflferent  productions 
common  to  the  climate.  The  average  produce  on  an  a- 
cre  of  good  UnJ,  is  probably  nearly  as  follows  ;  Indian 
corn,  30  bushels;  barley,  30  ;  wheat,  15;  rye,  15;  po- 
tatoes, 200. 

The  soutliern  part  of  the  state  is  the  most  barren,  and 
the  north  and  west  parts,  including  Himpshlre  county, 
the  most  fertile  parts.  The  towns  In  the  vicinity  of  Bos- 
»n,  as  CAnabvidge,  Roibary,  Brookline,  aad  Dorchester, 


MASSACHUSETTS.  129 


-^ 


*re  Ilierally  gardens,  from  which  the  capital  is  furnishei 
wiih  the  finest  fruits  and  vegetables.  The  towns  adjoin- 
ing Connecticut  river  have  a  luxuriant  soil. 

Minerals^  Iron  ore,  In  immense  quantities,  is  found  in 
rarinus  parts  of  the  state  ;  but  principally  in  the  comities 
of  Plymouth  and  Bristol.  Copper  ore  is  found  at  Lever^ 
c:t  and  Attleborough  ;  mines  of  black  lead,  at  Brimfield  ; 
pipe  clar,  and  red  and  yellow  ochre,  at  Martha's  Vineyard 
and  other  places.  In  a  quarry  of  limestone,  in  Newbury, 
is  found  the  Jsl-estos,  or  incombustible  cotton.  Marble  is 
found  in  the  same  vicinity,  and  also  at  LanesboroUi^h.  In 
BrookBeld,  is  a  large  bed  of  rocks,  czWed  f>y rites,  impreg- 
nated with  sulphur,  vitriol  and  alum. 

Mineral  Springs.  Several  mineral  springs  have  been  dis- 
covered, but  none  have  yet  obtained  much  celebrity. 
Springs  of  the  quality,  though  not  of  the  strength,  of  the 
Ballstown  waters,  have  lately  been  brought  into  some  no- 
tice, in  the  north  part  of  Boston,  and  at  Brigluon,  5  or  6 
miles  west  of  Boston,  but  their  waters  have  not  yet  been, 
analyzed. 

Manufadures.  The  manufactures  of  Massachusetts  are 
various  and  considerable.  Duck  manufactories  have  been 
established  at  Boston,  Salem,  Haverhill,  and  Springfield. 
Cotton  is  manufactured  at  Beverly,  Boston,  Worcester, 
Mendon,  MeJfield,  and  wool  at  Byficld,  and  olher  pLices. 
Plymouth  and  Bristol  counties  are  the  principal  seat  of 
iron  manufactories.  In  Taunton,  Norton,  Bridgewater,. 
Plymouth,  Kingston,  and  other  towas,  nails  are  made  in 
such  quantities,  as  almost  to  prevent  their  importation. 
Mills  for  slitting  and  rolling  iron  arc  erected  ;  and  al- 
most every  article  usually  made  of  that  metal,  is  here  man- 
ufactured. There  are  mere  than  20  paper  mills  in  this 
state,  which  produce  upwards  of  70,000  reams  of  paper 
annually.  Tijc  principal  card  manufactories  are  in  Bos- 
ton and  Cambridge.  There  are  60  distilleries,  employed 
in  distilling  spirits  from  foreign  materials  ;  and  12  coun- 
try distilleries,  employed  in  distilling  domestic  articles.  ' 

A  g'ass  house  in  Boston  produces  glass  superior  to  any 
imported,  to  the  amount  of  76,000  dollars  in  a  year. 

At  Lynn,  in  Essex  county,  400,000  pairs  of  shoes  are  an- 
nually made.  There  is  a  manufactory  of  wire  at  Ded- 
ham,  ■.'Knd  others  at  Newton  and   Medford.     SnufF,  oil,,      | 


fSff^" 


130  MASSACHUSETTS. 

chocolate,  paper,  and  powder  mills  are  erected  in  various 
parts  of  the  state. 

Commerce.  The  commerce  of  Massachusetts  is  extensive. 
Their  ships  sail  round  the  globe  and  bring  home  the  pro- 
duce of  every  climate.  The  chief  exports  are  beef,  pork, 
butter,  cheese,  flour,  pot  and  pearl  ashes,  flax  seed,  whale 
oil,  whalebone,  spermaceti,  fish,  shoes,  tobacco, and  lumber. 
More  than  a  third  part  of  the  whole  shipping  in  the  United 
States  is  owned  in  this  state.  Upwards  of  29,000  tons  are 
employed  in  the  fisheries  ;  45,000  in  the  coasting  trade  ; 
and  96,56 1  in  trading  with  different  parts  of  the  world. 
Such  was  the  state  of  commerce  before  tlie  war. 

Ihland  Navigation.  A  canal  is  opened  on  Connecticut 
river,  round  Miller's  and  Montague  Falls.  The  locks  are 
'20  feet  wide,  75  feet  long,  and  draw  three  feet  of  water. 
They  are  supported  on  each  side  by  stone  walls-  8  feet 
thick,  and  lined  with  plank.  Th'i  wliole  fall  is  %Q  feet, 
and  die  canal  saves  the  carriage  of  6  miles.  At  the  head 
of  this  canal  is  a  dam,  extending  across  the  river,  of  a  stu- 
pendous structure.  It  is  iOOOfeet  long,  and  28  high,  from 
the  top  to  the  surface  of  the  water,  built  of  solid  timber, 
and  supported  by  heavy  cross  timbers.  This  dam  serves 
to  deaden  the  rapids  between  it  and  Miller's  river,  and  to 
supply  the  canal  with  water,  which  overcomes  the  rapids 
at  Montague. 

A  canal  is  also  opened  round  the  falls  at  South-Hadley, 
with  locks  of  peculiar  and  ingenious  construction. 

But  the  greatest  v/ork  of  the  kind  in  this  state,  is  the 
Middlesex  canal,  which  connects  the  waters  of  Merrimac 
river  with  Boston  harbor,  ;50  miles  long.  Concord  river  is 
the  reservoir  of  the  canal.  Three  lociis  connect  this  river 
■with  the  Merrimac,  the  descent  being  '21  feet.  Having 
raised  the  Merrimac  to  the  level  of  the  canal,  it  proceeds 
to  the  Concord,  crosses  it,  and  proceeds  on  its  course,  over 
brooks  and  rivets,  11  miles.  It  passes  over  Shawsheen  riv-, 
er  by  an  aqueduct  bridge,  more  than  2(>  feet  above  the  sur- 
face of  the  river.  At  the  end  of  II  miles,  is  a  lock  of  7 
feet  descent,  and  a  mile  and  a  half  further  is  another.  A 
few  places  of  low  ground  have  banks  raised  12  or  13  feet 
high.  Thirteen  locks  are  required  in  its  whole  course, 
making  a  descent  of  107  feet.  Each  lock  contains  100 
tons  of  timber  supported  by   stone  walls.     It  proceedi 


MASSACHUSETTS.  13 1 

through  Woburn,  passes  over  Mystic  river,  and  crosses 
the  isthmus  at  Charlesto\\Ti  into  the  bay  between  Charles- 
town  and  Cambridge.  The  Merrimac  river  is  already,  or 
will  shortly  be,  rendered  boatable  as  far  as  Salisbury. 
It  is  expected  this  canal  will  be  of  great  advantage  to 
the  proprietors  and  the  public,  as  it  opens  a  direct 
communication  from  Boston  to  the  centre  of  New-Hamp- 
shire. 

Bridges.  There  are  about  20  bridges  in  this  state, 
which  are  supported  by  a  toll.  Charles  river  bridge  is  the 
oldest,  connecting  Boston  and  Charlestown,  1 503  feet  long, 
supported  by  75  piers.  Two  bridges  connect  Boston  and 
Cambridge,  one  of  which  is  3500  feet  long  with  a  cause- 
way, on  Cambridge  side,  of  SQW  feet,  making  nearly  a 
mile  and  a  third.  Another  bridge  connects  the  south 
part  of  Boston  with  Dorchester. 

Maiden  and  Chelsea  bridges  join  those  towns  to  Charles- 
town.  Essex  bridge  connects  Salem  and  Beverly.  All 
the  preceding  bridges  have  draws  to  admit  the  passage  of 
vessels  through  them.  Several  elegant  and  expensive 
bridges  have  been  built  over  the  Merrimac. 

There  is  a  bridge  over  the  rapids  of  Connecticut  river, 
between  Montague  and  Greenfield,  consisting  of  four  arch- 
es, supported  by  three  piers  and  two  abutments,  built  of 
stone.  The  height  of  these  arches,  above  the  water  of 
the  river  in  a  dry  season,  is  60  or  70  feet.  The  water, 
during  freshets,  sometimes  flows  over  the  piers  and  abut- 
ments. Another  bridge  is  built  over  this  river  at  Hatfield, 
another  at  Springfield,  and  one  connects  Hadley  with 
Northampton. 

Roads.  Turnpike  roads  are  making  in  every  direction. 
The  General  Court  has  incorporated  nearly  20  companies 
for  this  purpose.  By  these,  travelling  between  the  princi- 
pal towns  is  made  easy  and  safe,  and  accomplished  with 
great  facility. 

-  Literature  and  Education.  According  to  the  laws  of  this 
commonwealth,  every  town,  having  fifry  lioti^eholders  or 
upwards,  is  to  be  provided  with  one  or  more  school  mas- 
ters, to  teach  children  and  youth  to  read  and  writs,  and 
insruct  ihem  in  the  English  language,  aritlimctic,  geog- 
raphy and  decent  behavior  ;  and  where  any  town  has  200 
families    there   is   also   to  be    a  grammar  school  set  up 


132r  MASSACHUSETTS. 

therein,  and  some  discreet  person,  well  instructed  In  the 
Latin,  Greek,  and  English  languages,  procured  to  keep 
the  same,  and  be  suitably  paid  by  the  inhabitants.  The 
penalty  for  neglect  of  schools,  in  towns  of  50  families,  is 
10/.— those  of  100  families,  20/.— of  150,  30/.     . 

In  Boston,  there  are  seven  public  schools,  viz.  one  Latin 
grammar  school,  three  English  grammar  schools,  and 
three  for  writing  and  arithmetic,  supported  wholly  at  the 
expense  of  the  town  ;  in  these  schools,  the  children  of  ev- 
ery elass  of  citizens  (the  black  excepted)  freely  associate. 

Besides  these,  there  are  many  private  schoojs,  for  in» 
struction  in  the  English,  Latin,  and  French  languages — 
in  writing,  arithmetic,  and  the  higher  branches  of  mathe- 
matics— and  also  in  music  and  dancing.  There  is  proba- 
bly not  a  town  in  the  world,  the  youth  of  which  enjoy 
the  benefits  of  school  education  mare  full}-  than  in  Bos- 
ton. 

Next  to  these  in  Importance,  are  the  academies,  of  which 
there  are  about  20  in  the  state.  In  these,  the  sciences  are 
taught,  and  youth  titted  for  the  universily. 

Harvard  University,  at  Cambridge,  with  respect  to  its 
library,  philosophical  apparatus,  and  professorships,  is  the 
first  literary  institution  in  the  United  States.  It  consists 
of  five  handsome  brick  edifices,  the  names  of  which  are. 
Harvard  Hall,  Massachusetts  Hall,  Kollis  Hall,  Holden 
Chapel,  and  Stoughton  Hall.  Harvard  hall  is  divided  in- 
to six  apartments  ;  one  of  which  is  appropriated  for  the 
library,  one  for  the  museum,  two  for  the  philosophical  ap- 
paratus ;  one  is  used  for  the  chapel,  and  the  other  for  a 
dining  hall.  The  library  of  this  college  contains  upwards 
of  17>000  volumes.  It  has  a  president,  and  professor  in 
divinity,  mathematics,  natural  philosophy,  surgery,  theory 
and  practice  of  medicine,  rhetoric  and  oratory,  and  natu- 
ral history. 

At  Williamstown,  in  Berkshire  county,  is  another  lite- 
rary institution,  CriUed  Williams  college.  The  languages 
and  sciences  usually  taught  in  the  American  colleges  are 
taught  here,  and  the  institution  is  flourishii-g. 

Science;.  The  literary,  humane,  and  othet  societies  of 
Massachusetts  are  numerous.  They  are,  the  American 
Acadeniy  of  Arts  and  Sciences  ;  the  Massachusetts  Char- 
itable Society  ;  the  Boston  Episcopal  Charitable  Society  ( 


^iASSACHUSETTS.  I  S3 

the  Massachusetts  Medical  Society  ;  the  Society  for  prop- 
agating the  gospel  among  the  Indians  and  others  in  North- 
Annerica  ;  the  Massacliusetts  Missionary  Society  ;  the 
Massachusetts  Society  for  promoting  Christian  Knowl- 
edge ;  the  Hampshire  Missionary  Society  ;  the  Evangel- 
ical Missionary  Society  ;  the  Massachusetts  Society  for 
promoting  Agriculture  ;  the  Historical  Society  ;  the 
Marine  Society  of  Boston,  Salem,  and  Newbury  port  ;  the 
Massachusetts  Congregational  Society  ;  the  Massachusetts 
Charitable  Fire  Society  ;  the  Boston  Mechanic  Associa- 
tion ;  the  Boston  Dispensary  ;  the  Boston,  Salem,  and 
Newburyport  Female  Asylums  ;  several  Bible  societies  ; 
the  Boston  Athenceum  ;  and  several  societies  for  the  sup- 
pression of  intemperance,  and  the  reformation  of  morals. 
Ch::fToii)nj.  Boston,  the  capital  of  Massachusetts, 
lies  in  latitude  42°  32'  north.  Tt  is  built  on  a  peninsula 
of  an  irregular  form,  at  the  bottoin  of  Massachusetts  bay. 
The  isthmus,  which  joins  the  peninsula  to  the  continent, 
is  at  the  south  end  of  the  town,  and  leads  to  Roxbury. 
The  length  of  the  town  itself  is  not  quite  two  miles.  Its 
breadth  is  various.  It  contained,  in  1800,  24,937  inhab- 
itants.    In  1810,  33,250. 

in  Boston  are  twenty -one  houses  for  public  worship  ; 
of  which,  nine  are  Uh  Congregationalists,  three  for  Epis- 
copalians, three  for  Baptists,  one  for  Friends,  one  for  Uni- 
versalists,  one  for  Roman  Catholics,  two  for  Methodists, 
and  one  for  Africans. 

The  other  public  buildings  are  the  state  house,  courL 
house,  both  elegant  edifices,  gaol,  Faneuil  hall,  a  theatre, 
and  an  almhouse.  On  the  west  side  of  the  town  is  the 
mall,  a  very  beautiful  public  walk,  adorned  with  rows  of 
trees,  and  in  view  of  tlie  common,  which  is  always  open 
to  refieshing  breezes. 

The  harbor  of  Boston  is  safe  and  large  enough  to  con- 
tain 500  ships  at  anchor,  in  a  good  depth  of  water  ;  while 
the  entrance  is  so  narrow  as  scarcely  to  admit  two  ships 
abreast. 

The  principal   manufactures  here  are  fum,  beer,  paper 
hangings  loaf  sugar,   cordage,  cards,  sail  clotli,  sperma- 
ceti and  tallow  candles,  and  glass.     There  are  30  distille- 
Ties,  2  breweries,  8  sugar  houses,  and  5  lopewalks. 
M 


l-5'h    '  MASSACHUSETTS.  * 

Salem,  the  second  town  for  size,  and  the  oldest,  except 
Plymouth,  in  the  commonwealth,  containing,  in  ISIQ, 
12,G1 3  inhabitants,  was  settled  in  1628,  by  Governor 
Endicott.  Here  are  a  meeting  of  Quakers,  an  Episcopal 
church,  and  six  Congregational  societies.  The  town  is 
situated  on  a  peninsula,  formed  by  two  small  inlets  of  the 
sea,  called  North  and  South  rivers 

Southeast  from  Salem,  and  at  four  miles  distance  from 
it,  lies  Marblehead,  containing  inJ810,  5900  inhabit- 
ants, one  Episcopal  and  two  Congregational  churches. 
The  chief  attention  of  this  town  i-s  devoted  to  the  bank 
fishery. 

Newburyport,  originally  a  part  of  Newbury,  from 
•which  its  incorporation  detached  it  in  ITG^,  and  by  wliich 
and  Merrimac  liver  it  is  wholly  encircled,  is  the  most 
limited,  in  its  extent  of  land,  of  any  town  in  the  Common^ 
wealth,  containing  but  about  640  acres.  Here  are  6  hous- 
es for  public  worship,  viz.  one  Episcopalian,  three  pres- 
byterian,  and  two  Congregational.  In  1810,  it  had  7634 
inhabitants. 

Ipsvv'ich  in  the  couniy  of  Essex,  32  miles  north  north- 
east from  Boston,  is  divided  into  four  parishes,  and  con- 
tained, in  1810,  3569  inhabitants.  The  supreme  judicial 
courts,  the  courts  of  common  pleas,  and  sessions,  are  held 
here  once  in  a  year. 

Charlestown  lies  north  of  Boston,  with  which  it  is  con- 
nected by  Charles  river  bridge,  and  is  the  principal  town 
in  Middlesex  county.  It  is  very  advantageously  situated 
for  navigation,  trade,  and  manufactures  of  almost  every 
kind.  Bunker,  Breed's,  and  Cobble,  (now  Pleasant) 
hills,  celebrated  in  the  history  of  the  American  Revolution, 
are  in  this  town.  One  of  the  principal  navy  yards  in  the 
United  Spates  is  established  here,  in  which  is  a  marine  hos- 
pital, which  cost  14-, 000  dollars.  In  another  part  of  the 
tov.'n,  the  state  has  erected  a  Penitentiary.  Charlcstown, 
in  1800,  contained  2751,  and  in  1810,  nearly  5000  inhab- 
itants. 

Cambridge  and  Concord  are  the  most  considerable  in- 
land towns  in  the  county  oi'  Middlesex  ;  the  former  Is  3| 
miles  from  Boston,  is  a  pleasant  town,  and  tlie  seat  of  the 
Univcisltv.     The   latter  is  IS  miles  northwest  of  Bosto?, 


MASSACHUSETTS.  .  125 

fhe  Provincial  Congress  sat  in  Concord,  1774.  TJiis 
town  is  rendered  famous  in  history,  by  its  being  the  place 
where  the  first  opposition  was  made  to  the  Britisli  troops, 
on  the  19th  of  April,  1775. 

Plymouth,  the  chief  town  in  the  county  of  the  same 
name,  and  the  capital  of  the  Old  Colony,  so  called,  is  40 
miles  southeast  of  Boston,  and  contains  about  ^00  houses. 
It  is  famous  for  being  the  place  first  settled  by  the  pioas 
ancestors  of  the  New-Eng!anders,  in  1G'20. 

Worcester,  the  shire  town  of  the  county  of  that  name 
is  the  largest  inland  town  in  New-England  ;  ii  is  47  miles 
westward  of  Boston. 

On  Connecticut  liver,  there  are  a  numbr-r  oi  pleasant; 
towns  ;  among  v.'h:ch,  are  Springdcid  and  Kadley,on  the 
cast  side  of  the  river  ;  Northampton,  the  shire  town  ot 
H  impshire  county,  Hitfield,  and  Greenfield,  on  tlie  west. 

Islands.  Plum  Island  is  about  9  miles' long,  and  t-ue 
broad,  extending  from  Merrimac  to  Ipswich  rivers,  and 
separated  from  the  main  by  a  narrow  sound,  called  Plum 
Island  river.  It  consists  principally  of  sand,  blown  into 
curious  heaps,  of  10,  15,  and  25  feet  kigh,  and  crowned 
with  bushes,  bearing  the  beach  plum.  On  the  north  end, 
are  two  light  houses.  Near  the  shore  of  tlie  island,  the 
Hum^.ne  Socitrtv  oT  NewKnrvDort  have  erected  huts,  for 
tlie  relief  of  shipwrecked  mariners.  In  the  season  when 
the  plums  are  ripe,  the  island  is  the  resort  of  the  neigh- 
boring inhabitants,  and,  for  a  few  days,  exhibits  a  scene  of 
lively   amusement. 

Nantucket  Island  lies  south  of  Cape  Cod.  It  con- 
tains 23,000  acres,  including  the  beach,  and  constitutes  one 
county  by  the  name  of  Nantucket.  It  has  but  one  town, 
call-'U  Sherburne,  containing,  in  1810,  6807  inhabitants. 
There  is  not  a  single  tiee  on  the  island  of  natural  growth. 
The  inhabitants  carry  on  a  considerable  whale  fishery. 
They  are  mostly  Quakers  ;  these  is  one  society  of  Con- 
gregationalism 

Martha's  Vineyard,  a  little  to  the  v.'estward  of  Nan- 
tucket, is  19  miles  long,  and  4  broad.  It  contains  thiec 
societies  of  Congregitionalists,  two  of  Bapti.sjs,  and  three 
of  Indians,  one  of  which  wa-.  till  lately,  supplied  by  an 
ordained  Indian  minister.  This  and  lire  neighboring  isl- 
ands of  CnipPA'^uiDnic,  Noman's  Island,  -An-k  the  Eli- 


isa  RHODE-ISLAND.  ^ 

ZADETH  IsLAs-ns,  Constitute  Duke's  county,  contaminp, 
in  I&IO,  3290  inhabitants,  320  of  whom  xvere  Indians  and 
muhttocs,  subsisting  by  agricultuie  and  fishing. 

Edgarton,  which  includes  the  fertile  island  of  Chappa- 
quiddic,  about  three  or  four  miles  long,  and  one  and  a 
half  broad,  is  the  shire  town.  The  principal  productions 
of  the  island  are  corn,  rye  and  oats.  They  raise  sheen 
ana  cattle  in  considerable  numbers. 


RH0DEJ3LAND. 


E:<ten(.  THLS  is  one  of  the  smallest  of  tlie  United 
States,  its  greatest  length  being  4"  miles,  and  if;  greatest 
brcidih  37,  containing  about  1300  square  miles. 

Bouwlarics.  Bounded  north  and  east  by  Massachusetts  ; 
Jout!i  hy  the  Atlantic  ocean  ;  west  by  Connecticut- 

44/'7-'.'""^  o.'JT  ropv'raron.     The  abpve  limit";  eOW^^eii'Sfld.' 
the  territory  formerly  known  by  tlie  na:ne  of  Rliode  Island 
and  Providence  Plantations  ;    divided   into   five  counties, 
viz.  Newport,  Providence,  Washin/jjton,  Bristol,  and  Kent, 
which  are  subdivided  into  30  towns. 

The  nu;nber  of  inhabitants  iu  1800,  was  69,122,  of 
whorn  280  vvere  slaves  :  in  iSlO,  79,931. 

Face  ojthz  Country.  This  s:a- ::  is  h'ily,  tho;igh  thsre  are 
no  very  high  mountains  :  in  the  nartiuvcht  parts,  it  is 
rocky  and  barren,  and  more  fit  for  pasluie  than  for  tillage. 
'I'he  most  remarkable  moii:;tain  is  Mount  Hope,  in  the 
town  of  Bristol,  the  seat  of  the  famous  Indian  king  Philip, 
and  the  place  where  he  was  slain  by  Colonel  Church. 

Buy  and  Harbors.  Narragansett  Bay  makes  up  between 
the  main  land  on  the  east  and  west  ;  and  embosoms  ma- 
ny fertile  isl.'.nds.  The  harbors  are  those  of  Newpoit, 
Providence,  Wickford,  PatTiiet,  Warren,  and  Bristol.  ! 

Riv:rs.     Providence   and  Taunton  rivers  fall  into  Nar-   | 
ragansett  bay;  the  former  on   the  west,   the  latter  on  ih?   S 


RkODE-ISLAND.  iSI 

east  side  of  Rhode- Island.  Providence  river  is  navigable 
to  Providence,  for  ships  of  900  tons,  SO  miles  from  the 
sea. 

Patucket  river  empties  into  Seekonk  river  4>  miles  north- 
east from  Providence.  The  confluent  stream  empties  imp 
Providence  river,  about  a  mile  below  Providence.  The 
rivers  and  bays  are  stored  with  plenty  of  fish,  of  more  than 
70  diiferent  kinds.  Newport  is  said  to  have  the  finest 
fish  market  in  the  world. 

Soil  and  Productions.  This  state  produces  corn,  rye,  bar- 
ley, oats,  and  in  some  parts  wheat  sufBcient  for  domestic 
consumption  ;  various  kinds  of  grasses,  fruits,  and  culina- 
ry roots  and  plants  ;  cider  is  made  for  exportation.  The 
northwestern  parts  of  the  state  are  more  rocky  and  barren 
than  the  other  parts,  and  aie  but  thinly  inhabited.  The 
tract  of  country  lying  between  South- Kingstown  and  the 
Connecticut  line,  called  the  Narragansett  country,  is  excel- 
lent grazing  land,  and  is  inhabited  by  farmers,  who  raise 
some  of  the  finest  neat  cattle  in  New-England,  weighing 
from  16(X)  to  1800  weight.  They  keep  large  dairies, 
and  make  butter  and  cheese  of  the  best  qualiry. 

Minerals.  Iron  ore  abounds  in  this  state.  The  iron 
works  on  Patuxet  river,  12  miles  from  Providence,  are  sup- 
plied with  ore  from  a  bed  4  miles  distant.  At  this  place, 
there  is  a  variety  of  ores,  curious  stones   and  ochres. 

In  the  town  of  Cumberland,  is  a  copper  mine  mixed 
with  iron  strongly  impregnated  with  loadstone,  of  which 
some  large  pieces  have  been  found  in  the  neighborhood. 
Lime  stone  is  found  in  Providence  county,  from  whick 
large  quantities  of  lime  are  made  and  exported. 

Mineral  Springs.  There  are  several  mineral  springs  in 
this  state  ;  to  one  of  which,  near  Providence,  many  peo- 
ple resort  to  bathe  and  drink  the  water. 

Manufactures.  The  inhabitants  of  Rhode-Island  are  pro 
gressing  rapidly  in  this  branch  of  business.  A  cotton  man- 
ufactory has  been  erected  atProvidence,  where  cotiongood.^ 
of  almost  every  description,  are  manufactui  cd,  and  sent  to 
the  southern  states.  Large  quantities  of  linen  and  tow 
cloth  are  made  in  different  parts  of  the  state  for  exporta- 
tion But  the  most  considerable  manufactures  are  those 
of  bar  and  sheet  iron,  steel,  nail  rod^  and  naijs,  implemenf 
M2 


ISi  RH0DEJSLANI>. 

of  husbandry,  stoves,  pots,  and  other  household  utensils  j. 
the  iron  work  of  shipping,  anchors,  bells,  &c. 

Commerce.  The  exports  from  this  state  are  flax- seed, 
lumber,  horses,  cattle,  beef,  pork,  fish,  poultry,  onions,  but- 
ter, cheese,  barley,  grain,  spirits,  cotton,  and  linen  goods* 
The  imports  consist  of  European  and  West-India  goods, 
and  logwood,  from  the  bay  of  Honduras.  Upwards  of 
(jOO  vessels  enter  and  clear  annually  at  the  different  ports 
in  this  state. 

Public  Improvements.  A  turnpike  road  has  been  made 
from  Providence  to  Connecticut,  to  meet  the  turnpike 
roads  from  Norwich,  Hartford,  and  New- Haven. 

The  great  bridge  in  Providence,  was,  till  lately,  the  on- 
ly bridge  of  consequence  in  this  state.  It  is  160  feet  long 
and  22  feet  wide.  Tiie  bridge  over  Patucket  falls  is  a 
work  of  considerable  magnitude,  and  mvich  ingenuity. 
Central  and  India  bridges  over  Seekonk  river  ;  tlie  latter, 
built  at  the  sole  expence  of  Mr.  John  Brown,  of  Provi- 
dence, a;e  works  of  great  expense  and  utility. 

A  bridge  has  lately  been  built  over  Plowland's  ferry,, 
Kniting  Rhode-Island  to  the  main,  at  Tiverton 

Literature.  The  literature  of  this  state  is  confined  prin- 
cipally to  the  towns  of  Providence  and  Nevvpoit.  No  prc- 
Tisi'n  is  madebylaw,  for  the  establishment  of  town  schools^ 

There  are  probably  more  people  in  Rhode-Island,  who 
are  unable  to  read  and  write,  than  in  all  the  rest  of  New-. 
England. 

A  college  is  e.stabliihed  at  Providence,  by  the  name  of 
Brown  University,  from  Nicholas  Brown,  l  sq.  who  gave 
the  corporation,  5000  dollars,  to  establish  a  professorsliip 
of  oratory  and  bellcs-lettreSi  This  institution  is  under  the 
instruction  of  a  President,  a  Professor  of  Divinity,  a  Pro- 
fessor of  Natural  and  Experimental  Philosophy,  a  Profess- 
or of  Mathematics  and  Astronomy,  a  Professor  of  Natu- 
ral History,  a  Professor  of  Oratory  and  Belles-lettres,  and 
three  tutors.  It  has  a  library  of  three  thousand  volumes,, 
and  a  valuable  philosophical  apparatus.  Nearly  all  the 
funds  of  this  college  are  at  interest  in  the  treasury  of  the 
state,  and  amount  to  about  two  thous.md  pounds. 

At  Newport,  there  is  a  flourishing  academy,  under  the 
direction  of  a  rector  and  tutors^  who  teach  the  learned 
languages;  geography,  k<y 


RHODE-ISLAND.  2S» 

CmefToions.  Newport  lies  in  latitude  41  29.  Its 
harbor,  which  is  one  of  the  best  in  the  world,  spreads  west- 
ward betbie  the  town.  It  contains  about  1000  houses, 
built  chiefly  of  wood,  and  has  10  houses  for  public  wor- 
ship, viz.  four  for  Baptistsj  two  for  Congregationalists,  ontf 
for  Episcopalians,  one  for  Quakers,  one  for  Moravians, 
and  a  synagogue  for  Jews.  The  other  public  buildings 
are  a  state  house,  and  an  edifice  for  the  public  library. 

Providence,  in  latitude  41  51,  on  both  sides  of  Provi- 
dence  river,  '^5  miles  from  the  sea,  and  SO  north  by  west 
from  Newport,  is  the  oldest  town  in  the  state.  Mr.  Kog- 
er  Williams  and  his  followers  were  its  first  settlers,  in  IG36. 
I'he  town  is  divided  into  two  parts  by  the  river  and  con- 
nected by  the  bridge  already  mentioried.  Ships  of  almost 
any  size  sail  up  and  down  the  channel.  The  public  build- 
ings are  an  elegant  meeting  house  for  Baptists,  80  ieet 
isquare,  with  a  lofty  and  beautiful  steeple,  and  a  large  bell  ; 
a  meetinghouse  for  Friends  ;  three  for  Congregationalists  ; 
an  Episcopal  church  ;  a  court  house  iu  wliich  is  deposited 
a  library  for  the  use  of  the  town  ard  country  ;  a  work 
house,  a  markeihouse,  and  the  college  edifice,  which  is  of 
biick,  four  stories  high,  150  feet  lor.g,  and  46  wide. 

Bristol  is  a  pleasant  thriving  town,  about  16  miles 
north  of  Newport,  on  the  main. 

Warren  is  a  post  town  of  Bristol  county,  and  carries 
«n  a  brisk  coasting  trade.  Little  Comptoii,  East  Green- 
wich, and  Warwick,  are  the  other  most  considerable 
towns. 

Indians.  There  are  about  500  Indians  in  this  £ta*e  ; 
the  greater  part  of  whom  reside  at  Charlestown.  1  hey 
are  peaceable  and  well  disposed  tov.ards  govcrnniCnt,  and 
speak  the  English  language. 

Curioiily.  About  4  miles  northeast  of  Providence,  lies 
a  small  village,  called  Patuckct,  through  which  runs  Pa- 
tucket  river.  In  this  river  \%  a  beautiful  fall  of  v/ater,  di- 
rectly- over  which,  abridge  has  been  built,  dividing  Massa- 
chusetts from  Khode-Island  The  fall  in  its  whole  length 
is  upwards  of  fifty  feet.  The  water  passes  through  sever- 
al chasms  in  a  rock,  which  runs  diametricady  across  the 
bed  of  the  stream,  and  serves  as  a  dam  to  the  water.  Sev- 
eral mills  have  been  erected  upon  these  falls  ;  and  the 
spouts  and  channels  which  have  been  constructed  to  con- 


140  CONNECTICUT. 

duct  the  streams  to  their  respective  wheels,  and  the  bridge- 
have  taken  very  much  from  the  beauty  and  grandeur  of 
the  scene. 

Islands.  Rhode-Island,  from  which  the  state  takes  its 
name,  is  15  miles  in  length  ;  its  average  breadth  about  Si 
miles.  It  is  divided  into  three  townships,  Newport,  Ports- 
mouth, and  Middleton.  In  point  of  soil,  climate,  and  situ- 
ation it  may  be  ranked  among  the  finest  and  most  charm- 
ing in  the  world.  Thirty  or  forty  thousand  sheep  are  fed 
on  this  island,  beside  cattle  and  horses. 

Cannon  icut  Island  lies  west  of  Rhode-Island,  and  is 
about  seven  miles  in  length,  and  about  I  mile  in  breadth  ; 
it  was  purchased  of  the  Indians,  in  1657»  and  incorporat- 
ed by  act  of  assembly,  by  the  name  of  the  Island  of 
Jamestown,  in  1678. 

Block  IsLASDy  called  by  the  Indians  Manisses,  is  21 
miles  south-southwest  from  Newport,  and  is  the  southern- 
most land  belonging  to  the  state.  The  inhabitants  of  this 
island  were  formerly  noted  for  making  good  cheese 

Prudence  Island  is  nearly  as  large  as  Cannonicut,  and 
lies  north  of  it,  and  is  a  part  of  the  township  of  Ports- 
moirth. 


CONNECTJCUT, 


Situation,  Extent,  and  B«undaries.  CONNECTICUT^ 
called  by  the  Aboriginal  inhabitants,  Qtmnnihticut,  is  situat- 
ed between  41  and  42  2  north  latitude,  and  between  1 
45  and  S  40  east  longitude.  Bounded  north  by  Mas- 
sachusetts ;  east  by  Rhode-Island  ;  south  by  Long  Island 
Sound  ;  west  by  New-Yoik.  It  contains  about  2,G49,000 
acres. 

Divisions  and  Population.  This  2iate  is  divided  Into 
eight  counties,  viz. 


CONNECTICUT. 


141 


Counties. 

InhnbiJants. 

Counties. 

Inhabitants. 

iu  1810. 

in  1810. 

Hartford 

4i,733 

Windham 

28,611 

is'ew-  Haven 

37,064 

Litchfield 

4I,j75 

New-London 

34.707   i 

Middlcscx- 

20, 7 '^3 

Fairfield 

40,950  I 

Tolland 

13,779 

local 

261,942, 

The  counties  are  divided  and  subdivided  into  towns  and 
parishes.  The  number  of  townships  is  119,  each  ot  which 
is  a  corporation,  vested  with  powers  sufficient  for  ils  own 
internal  legulation.  In  this  state,  aie  five  cities  and  two 
boroughs, 

The  whole  nunaber  of  inliabitants  in  this  state,  in  ISOO, 
was  251,002,  incieaxr  in  ten  years,  10.9 H).  The  inhabit- 
ants are  almost  entirely  of  Lngli&h  descent.  There  are 
CO  French.  Dutch,  nor  Germans,  and  but  very  few  Scotch 
or  Irish  people  in  any  part  of  the  state.  Connecticut  has 
ever  made  rapid  advances  in  population.  There  have 
been  more  emigrants  irom  this  than  from  any  other  of  ilie 
states  ;  and  it  is  full  of  inhabitants. 

Face  of  the  Country.  Connecticut  is  generally  broken 
land,  made  t:p  of  hills  .-ind  vaUies  ;  but  contains  no  re- 
maikable  hiE:;h  mountains,  it  is  laid  out  in  small  farms, 
trom  fifty  to'ihree  ;>v  tour  hundred  acres  each,  whicix  are 
lield  by  the  larmers  in  fee  simple,  and  are  geneially  v.ell 
cultivated.  A  traveller,  even  iYi  the  most  unsettled  parts  of 
the  state  will  si-ldom  pass  «iiore  than  two  or  three  miles 
Vviihout  finding  a  house  or  cottage,  anJ  a  farm,  under  such 
in.provemcnt,  as  to  afford  necessaries  for  the  support  of  a 
ianiiiy.  '1  he  whole  state  represents  a  well  cultivated  gar- 
flei!,  which,  wi:h  a  degree  of  industry  necessary  to  lv;ippi- 
ness,  pi  educes  the  necesiaries  and  conveniences  of  liie  Ik 
great  plenty.^  _       ^ 

Harbors.  The  whole  sea  coast  is  indented  withharbor<j 
many  of  which  ate  safe  and  commodious.  1  he  principal 
are.those  of  New  London  and  New  Haven. 

Rivers.  Connecticut  river  divides  the  state  nearly  in 
the  centre.  Soon  after  it  enieis  the  bounds  of  Connecti- 
cut it  passes  over  Enfield  falls.  At  Windsor,  it  receives 
Windsor  feriy  river  from  the  west,  which  is  formed  by  the 
junctitm  of  Farnapgton  and  Poquaboc  rivers.  At  Hait- 
fqrd  it  meets  the  tide,  and  ihence  Aov.'e,  in  a  crooked  chaji* 


142  CGNNECTICUT. 

Bel,  into  Long  Island  sound.  It  is  from  80  to  100  rods 
wide,  ISO  mileikfrom  its  moutb..  It  is  navigable  to  Hart- 
ford, upwards  of  fifty  miles  from  the  sea  ;  and  the  pro- 
duce of  the  country,  for  200  miles  further,  is  brought 
down  in  boats. 

Tlie  Housatonic  rises  in  Beikshire  coiinty,  in  Massachu- 
setts. Passing  through  a  number  of  pleasant  towns,  it 
empties  into  the  sound,  between  Stratford  and  Miiford. 
It  is  navigable  twelve  mi-es,  to  Derby. 

Naugatuc  is  a  small  ri%'er,  emptying  into  the  Housa- 
to.nic  at  Derby. 

The  Thames  enters  into  Long  Island  Sound,  at  New- 
London.  It  is  navigable  frjarteen  miles  to  Norv/ich  Land- 
ing, where  it  loses  its  n^me,  and  br:;cches  into  Shetucket, 
on  the  east,  and  Norwich,  or  Little  river,  on  the  west. 
Little  river,  about  a  mile  from  its  mouth,  has  a  rem.arka- 
ble  and  very  romantic  cataract.  A  rock,  10  or  12  feet 
in  perpendicular  height,  extends  quite  across  the  channel 
of  the  river.  Over  ibis,  the  whole  river  pitches,  in  one 
entire  sheet,  upon  a  bed  of  rocks  below.  On  this  river,  are 
some  of  the  finest  mill  seats  in  New-ICngland,  and  lliose 
immediately  belov/  the  falls,  occupied  by'  Lathrop's  mills, 
are,  perhaps,  not  exceeded  by  any  in  the  world.  Across 
the  mouth  of  this  river,  is  a  broad,  commodious  bridge,  In 
the  form  of  a  wharf,  built  at  a  great  expense. 

Shetucket  river,  the  other  brw nch  of  the  Thames,  four 
miles  from  its  mouth,  receives»Quinnabaug,  which  has  its 
source  in  Brimfield,  in  Massaciuisetts.  Shetucket  river 
is  formed  by  the  junction  of  Willaraaniic  and  Jvlount 
H<5pe  rivers,  which  unite  between  Windham  and  Lebanon. 
These  rivers  are  fed  by  numberless  brooks  fr<'.m  every  part 
of  the  country.  At  the  mouth  of  the  Shetucket,  is  a 
bridge  of  timber,  12^1-  feet  in  length,  supported  at  each 
end  by  pillars,  aqd  held  up  in  the  middle  by  braces  on  the 
top,  in  the  manner  of  an  arch. 

Paukatuk  river  is  an  inconsiderable  stream,  which  emp- 
ties into  Stonington  harbor.  It  forms  part  of  the  dividing 
line  between  Connecticut  and  Rhode-Island. 

^oil  and  Productions.  The  soil  of  Connecticut,  thougli 
thin  and  barren  in  some  parts,  is  generally  productive,  ll 
affords  excellent  pastures  and  meadows.  Actual  calcula- 
t«ion  has  evinced  that  any  given  quantity  of  the  best  mow- 
itjg  land  in  Connecticut,  produces  twii;e  as  mucli  clear  prof. 


CONNECTICUT.  H^ 

It,  as  as  ihe  same  quantity  of  the  best  wheat  land  in  New- 
York,  'i  he  principal  productions  of  Connecticut  are  In- 
dian corn,  rye,  wheat,  in  many  parts  of  the  state,  oats  and 
barley,  which  are  heavy  and  good,  and,  of  late,  buck- 
wheat ;  flax  in  large  quantities,  some  herHp,  potatoes  of 
several  kinds,  pumpkins,  turnips,  peas,  beans,  and  fruits 
of  every  kind  chat  are  common  to  the  climate. 

Mines  and  Fossils.  On  the  banks  of  Connecticut  river, 
near  Middleton,  is  a  lead  mine  ;  and  there  has  lately  been 
discovered  one  of  coal.  Copper  mines  have  been  opened 
in  several  parts  of  the  state  ;  iron  ore  also  abounds  in  ma- 
ny places.  Talcs  of  various  kinds,  white,  brown,  and 
chocolate  colored  crystals,  zinc,  or  spelter,  and  several 
fossils  and  metals  are  found  in  Connecticut. 

Mineral  IVaters.  The  m.edicinal  springs  at  Litchfield 
and  Suffield  have  been  much  freqner.t.ed.  But  the  most 
important  oiies  in  Connecticut  are  thoie  at  Stafford.  They 
are  four  in  number,  strongly  'mpregnated  with  sulphur 
and  iron.  They  are  much  criebrated,  and  have  proved 
beneficial  in  curing  or  relieving  various  complaints.  The 
prospects  in  the  vicinity  of  these  springs,  are  strikingly 
picturesque  ;  and  exhibit  to  the  enthusiastic  admirers  of 
nature,  in  her  rude  and  unattired  form,  a  scene  peculiarly 
interesting. 

Manufactures.  The  farmers  in  Connecticut,  and  their 
families,  are  mostly  clothed  in  plain,  homespun  cloth. 
Their  linens  and  woollens, 'though  generally  of  a  coarser 
kind,  are  cf  a  stronger  texture,  and  more  durable  thaa 
those  imported  from  France  and  Great  Britain.  Many 
ef  their  cloths  are  fine  and  handsome. 

In  New-Haven,  are  cotton  and  button  manufactories. 
In  Hartford,  is  a  woollen  manufactoiy,  a  snufl^"  and  pow- 
der mil],  glass  works,  iron  works,  and  a  slitting  mill.  Iroa 
works  are  also  established  in  "many  other  parts  of  the  state. 
At  Stafford  is  a  furnace,  at  which  are  made  large  quanti- 
ties of  hollow  ware,  and  other  ironmongery,  sufficient  ta 
supply  tlic  whole  state.  Paper,  hats,  candles,  leather, 
shoes,  and  boots,  a;e  the  other  considerable  manufactures. 

Trade.  The  trade  of  Connecticut  is  chiefly  with  the 
West  India  islands,  and  is  carried  on  in  vessels  from  sixty 
to  a  hundred  and  forty  tons.  The  exports  consist  of  hors- 
es, mules,  oxen,  oak  staves,  hoops,  pine  boards,  oak  plank, 
feear.'-.,  Indian  corn,  fivh,  beef,  pork,  &c.     Connecticut  hac 


IM  CdNNECtlCUT. 

a  large  number  of  coasting  vessels  employed  in  carrying 
the  produce  to  the  other  states.  To  Rhode-Island,  Mas- 
sachusetts, and  New- Hampshire,  they  carry  pork,  wheat, 
corn,  and  rye.  To  North  and  South-Carolina,  and 
Georgia,  butter,  cheese,  salted  beef,  cider,  apples,  pota- 
toes, hay,  i&c.  and  receive  in  return,  rice,  indigo  and  mon- 
ey. Much  of  the  produce  of  Connecticut,  especially  the 
western  parts,  is  carried  to  New-Tork  ;  particularly  pot 
and  pearl  ashes,  flax  seed,  beef,  pork,  cheese,  and  butter. 
Considerable  quantities  of  the  produce  of  the  eastern  parfs 
•f  the  state  are  sold  at  Boston  and  Providence.  The  state 
owns  and  employs  in  the  foreign  and  coasting  trade,  32j867 
tons  of  shippinjf. 

Bridges  and  Roads.  On  the  great  road  from  New- Lon- 
don to  New-York,  are  the  three  most  considerable  bridg- 
es in  this  stare.  The  first  attempt  to  improve  the  roads  by 
establishing  turnpikes,  was  made  in  1791,  on  the  road 
leading  from  Norwich  to  New  London  ^  since  which,  a 
g^eat  number  of  others  have  been  completed,  which  are 
evidence  of  the  flourishing  circumstances  and  enterprising 
spirit  of  the  inhabitants. 

Education  and  Literature.  In  no  part  ol"  the  world  is  the 
education  of  all  ranks  of  people  niore  attended  to  than  in 
Connecticut.  Every  town  in  the  srate  is  divided  into  dis- 
tricts, and  each  district  has  a  public  school  kept  in  it,  part 
of  every  year..  SomewhHt  more  than  one  third  of  tJie 
Hionics  arising  from  a  tax  on  the  polls  and  rateable  estate 
of  the  inhabitants,  amounting  to  12,roo  dollars  annually, 
is  approplated  to  the  support  of  schools  in  the  seveial 
towns,  for  the  educ;.non  of  children  and  youth.  This 
state  beiides,  has  a  fr.nd  arising  from  the  sale  of  western 
lands,  amounting  to  l,201,(i65  dollars,  the  income  of 
which,  viz.  72,000  dollars  a  year,  is  by  law  for  ever  ap- 
propriated to  the  same  purpose  ;  making  in  all  S-ijOOO 
dollars,  'i'he  lav/  directs  that  a  grammar  school  shall  be 
kept  in  every  county  town  throughout  the  state. 

Academies  have  been  established  at  Greenfield,  Plain- 
field,  Canterbury,  Norwich,  Windham,  Pomfret,  Litch- 
field, and  Colchester  j  the  last  has  a  large  fund,  and  many 
students. 

Yale  college,  in  New- Haven,  was  established  in  170L 
It  has  thiee  large  buildings,  100  feet  by  40;  a  college 


CONNECTICUT.  14^ 

Chapel  50  feet  by  40,  with  a  steeple  ;  the  Connecticut  Ly- 
ceum, in  which  are  the  library,  philosophical  and  chymic- 
al  apparatus,  museum,  and  chambers  and  lecture  rooms 
for  the  professors  ;  an  edifice,  containing  a  kitchen  and  a 
dining  hall ;  and  a  house  for  the  president. 

The  public  library  consists.of  about  2.500  volumes  ;  the 
philosophical  apparatus  contains  the  machines  necessary 
for  exhibiting  experiments  in  the  whole  course  of  experi- 
mental philosophy  and  astronomy. 

The  present  officers  and  instructers  of  the  college  are  a 
President,  who  is  also  a  Professor  of  Divinity  f  a  Professor 
of  Natural  Philosophy  and  Astronomy,  a  Professor  of 
Law,  a  Professor  of  Chymistry  and  Natural  History,  a 
Professor  of  Languages  and  Ecclesiasticaf  History,  and 
five  tutors.  The  scudents  are  divided  into  four  classes. 
Their  number,  in  1 8 10,  was  255  In  1812,  305  1  he 
funds  of  this  college  received  a  very  liberal  addition,  by  a 
grant  of  the  General  Assembly,  in  17S2. 

Cities  and  Toivns.  Hartford  city  is  situated  at  the  head 
of  navigation  on  the  west  side  of  Connecticut  river,  about 
fifty  miles  from  its  entrance  into  the  sound  Its  buildings 
area  statehouse,  two  churches  for  Congiegationalists, 
one  for  Episcopalians,  one  for  Baptists,  and  about  500 
dwelling  houses,  a  number  of  which  are  handsomely  built 
of  brick.  The  town  is  divided  by  a  small  river,  with  high 
and  romantic  banks,  over  which  is  a  bridge.  Hartford  is 
advantageously  situated  for  trade,  enters  largely  into  the 
manufacturing  business,  and  is  a  rich,  flourishing,  and 
commercial  town.  The  general  assembly  of  the  state 
holds  its  session  here  in  May  annually.  A  bank  is  ef;tab- 
lished  in  this  city.  * 

New-Haven  city  lies  round  the  head  of  a  bay,  which 
makes  up  about  four  miles  north  of  the  ^ound.  It  covers 
part  of  a  large  plain,  which  is  circumscribed  on  three  sides 
by  high  hills  or  mountains.  Two  small  rivers  bound  the 
city  ejst  and  west.  Near  the  centre  of  New-Haven  is  the 
public  square  ;  on  and  round  which,  are  a  state  house, 
the  college  edifices,  six  in  number,  vi«.  3  colleges,  a  chap- 
el, L>ceun:i,  and  dining  hall ;  three  churches  for  Congre- 
giti  jnalists,  arid  one  for  Episcopalians.  This  city  con- 
tains about  600  dwelling  houses.  A  session  of  the  gener- 
al assembly  is  held  here  in  October  annually. 
N 


liQ  NEW-YORK. 

New-London  city  stands  on  the  west  side  of  the  rivet 
Thames,  near  its  entrance  into  the  sound.  It  has  two 
houses  for  public  worship,  one  for  Episcopalians  and  one 
for  Congregationalists  ;  5150  inhabitants.  Its  harbor  is 
the  best  in  Connecticut.  A  considerable  part  of  the  city 
was  burnt  by  the  infamous  Benedict  Arnold,  in  1781,  but 
has  since  been  rebuilt. 

Norwich  city  stands  at  the  head  of  Thames  river, 
fourteen  miles  north  from  New-London.  It  is  a  com- 
mercial city,  has  a  rich  and  extensive  back  country,  and 
avails  itself  of  its  natural  advantages.  The  inhabitants 
manufacture  paper  of  all  kinds,  stockings,  clocks  and 
watches,  chaises,  buttons,  stone  and  earthen  ware,  wire, 
oil,  chocolate,  bells,  anchors,  and  all  kinds  of  forge  work. 
The  city  contains  a  court  house,  two  churches  for  Con- 
gregationalists, and  one  for  Episcopalians,  and  about  34-76 
inhabitants.  The  courts  of  law,  for  the  county  of  New- 
London,  are  held  alternately  at  New-London  and  Nor- 
wich. 

MiDDLETON  city  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  western 
bank  of  Connecticut  river,  fifteen  miles  south  of  Hartford. 
It  is  the  principal  town  in  Middlesex  county  ;  has  4900 
inhabitants,  a  couit  house,  a  naval  office,  one  church  for 
Congregationalists,  and  one  for  Episcopalians. 

Four  miles  south  of  Hartford,  is  Weathersfield,  a  very 
pleasant  town  of  between  two  and  three  hundred  houses, 
situated  on  a  fine  soil,  with  a  brick  church  for  Congrega- 
tionalists.    This  town  is  noted  for  raising  onions. 

Windsor,  Farmington,  Litchfield,  Milford,  Stratford, 
Fairfield,  Guilford,  Stamford,  Windham,  Suffield,  and 
Enfield  antfifeU  considerable  and  pleasant  towns. 


€  ^^  NEW-YORK. 

Situation  and  Extent,     THE  state  of  New- York  compre- 
hends all  the  territories  lying  be. ween  40  40  and  45"  north 
latitude,  and  between  73  and  79  55  W.  longitude.     Its 
greatest  length  is  340  miles,    its  greatest  breadth  300  ; 
^ ^number  of  square  miles  45,000. 


liEW-YORK. 


14r 


Boundaries.  New- York  is  bounded  soulheastwardly  by 
the  Atlantic  ocean;  east  by  Connecticut,  Massachusetts, 
and  Vermont  j  north  by  Upper  Canada  ;  west  and  south- 
west by  Lake  Erie,  Pennsylvania,  and  New-Jersey. 

Di-y'sions  and  Population,      This  state  is  divided  into  four 
districts  and  -[-.'J  counties  ;  and  the  number  of  inhabitants 
according  to  the  census  of  1810,  is  as  follows  : 
Southern   District. 


Suffolk 

21,113 

Richmond 

5,347 

Queens 

19,336 

New-York 

96,372' 

Kings 

8,303 
Total 
Middle 

Westchester 

180,743. 

District. 

30,272: 

Rockland 

7,758 

Delaware 

20,  EOS. 

Orange 

34,3+7 

Greene 

19,541 

Itlster 

26,576 

Columbia 

32,390 

Sullivan 

6,108 
Total 

Eastern 

Dutchess 
198,457. 
District. 

51,434 

Rensselaer 

36,309 

Washington^ 

44,390 

Albany 

4.,  661 

Essex 

9,4fc8 

Skenectady 

10,201 

Clinton 

8,002 

Montgomer 

1 

4-1,214. 

Franklin 

2,717 

Staratoga 

33,147 

Total 

Western 

220  138. 
District. 

Schoharie 

18,945 

Cortland 

8,869 

Otsego 

38,802 

Onondago 

26,060 

Herk.mer 

22,046 

Cayuga 

29,840 

Lewis 

6,433 

Seneca              • 

16,GC9 

Jefferson 

15,140 

Tioga 

9,899 

St.  Lawrence 

7,888 

Steuben 

7,243 

Oneida 

33,792 

Ontario 

42,032 

MadiSon 

25,144 

Gennessee 

V2,5BS. 

Chenango 

21,704 

Allegany 

1,942 

Broome 

8,130 
Total 

Niagara 
362,077. 

8,971- 

Southern  Distri( 

:t             180,743 

Middle 

do. 

198,457 

Eastern 

do. 

220,138 

:f 

Western       do. 
!      Grand 

3C2  077 

Total     961,415 

i^  NEW-YORS. 

The  state  of  New- York  contained,  in  1800,  586,056  ia. 
habitants,  of  wliom  20,G  13  were  slaves.  Besides  the  de- 
scendents  of  ihe  English  and  Dutch,  who  were  the  first 
;>ettleis  of  die  state,  there  are  many  Scotch,  Irish,  Ger- 
inan,  and  French  emigrants. 

Fdcs  of  the  Country.  I'his  state  is  intersected  by  ridges 
of  the  Allegany  mountains,  running  in  a  nojtheasi  and 
jou'hwest  direction.  West  of  these  mountains,  the  coun- 
uy  is  level.  On  the  east  of  the  Allegany,  it  exhibits  a 
prospect  broken  by  hills  and  rich  intervening  vallies. 

J3ays.  The  principal  bay  is  that  of  York,  which  spreads 
\o  the  southward  before  die  city  of  New-\'ork.  It  is 
formed  by  the  confluence  of  East  and  Hudson  rivers,  and 
enibijsoms  several  small  islands.  It  communicates  with 
die  ocean  by  the  Narrows,  a  strait  scarcely  two  miles  wiiis, 
between  Long  and  Staten  islands. 

Lakes.  Lake  Champlain  forms  part  of  the  dividing 
line  between  New-York  and  Vermont.  Jt  is  nearly  200 
miles  long  ;  its  mean  widih  about  5  miles.  It  occupies 
about  500,000  acres,  and  contains  above  60  Islands  of  dif- 
ferent sizes.  Its  depth  is  suflicient  for  the  largest  vessels. 
It  receives,  at  Ticonderoga,  the  waters  of  lake  George, 
which  is  said  to  be  100  feet  higher  than  those  of  Cham- 
plain. 

Oneida  lake  in  the  western  part  of  the  state,  is  SO  miles 
long,  and  five  wide,  connected  with  Ontario  by  Oswego 
liver.  Salt  lake  is  six  miles  long  and  one  broad.  Eighty 
gallons  of  its  waters  produce  a  bushel  of  salt.  Its  sall- 
riess  is  occasioned  by  salt  springs,  near  its  banks.  These 
.springs,  an€  tlie  borders  of  the  lake,  for  a  mile  in  width, 
;ire  the  property  of  the  state.  Lake  Orsego,  at  the  head 
of  Susquehanna  river,  is  nine  miles  long,  and  narrow. 

Caniaderago  lake  is  about  the  size  oi  Oiscgo,  and  si.\: 
miles  v.-est  of  it.  Oak  cretk  issv.t's  from  ir  and  fills  into 
the  Susquelianna.  Seneca  lake,  in  Ontario  county,  is  for- 
ty milesiong  and  two  wide.  Chatoque  lake  Is  the  source 
«if  Conowongo  river,  not  far  from  lake  Erie.  Cswegatchie 
lake  lies  In  Oneida  county.  One  branch  of  Oswegatchie 
river  passes  through  this  lake. 

Rivets  and  Canals.  Hudson  river  is  one  of  the  largest 
in  the  United  States.  It  rises  in  the  r.iount^ainous  country 
between  !..kes  O;rta:io  and  Champlain,     Its  v. hole  leiigth 

\ 


NEW-YORK.  .  149 

h  about  250"  miles.  From  Albany  to  lake  George,  G!j 
miles,  the  river  is  navigable  only  for  batteaux  and  has  two 
portages  occasioned  by  falls,  of  half  a  mile  each.  The 
tide  flows  a  few  miles  above  Albany,  160  miles  from 
New-York.  It  is  navigable  for  sloops  of  80  tons  to  Al- 
bany, and  for  ships  to  Hudson.  The  river  is  stoied  with 
a  variety  offish.  A  canal  unites  Hudson  river  to  South 
bay,  which  empties  into  the  south  end  of  lake  Cham- 
plain. 

Saranac  river  passes  through  Platlsburg  Into  lake 
Ghamplain. 

Sable  river,  not  far  from  the  Saranac.  Is  scarcely  sixty 
yards  wide.     On  this  stream  are  remarkable  falls. 

The  river  Boquet  passes  through  the  town  of  V/illsbo- 
rough.  At  this  place  are  the  remains  of  an  imrenchment 
thrown  up  by  General  Burgoyne. 

Black  river  rises  in  the  high  country,  near  the  sources 
of  Canada  creek,  which  i?.\h  into  Mohawk  river,  and  takes 
its  course  noithwestj  and  then  northeast,  till  it  discharges 
itself  into  Cataraqui  or  Iroquois  river. 

Onondago  river  rises  in  the  Oneida  lake,  and  runs  west- 
wardly  into  the  lake  Ontario,  at  Osv.ego. 

Mohawk  river  passes  to  the  northward  of  Fort  Stanwlx, 
and  runs  southwardly  twenty  miles,  to  the  fort;  ihen 
eastwardly  one  hundred  and  ten  miles  into  the  Hudson. 
The  produce,  that  is  conveyed  down  this  river,  is  landed 
in  Skenectady,  and  is  thence  carried  by  land,  sixteen 
miles,  over  a  barren,  shru*iby  plain,  to  Albany,  where  a 
turnpike  is  contemplated.  Since  the  con>pletion  of  the 
locks  and  canals,  at  Little  Falls;  fifty-six  miles  above  Ske- 
nectady, the  river  is  passable  for  boats  from  Skenect;idy, 
nearly  or  quite  to  its  source.  The  perpendicular  descent 
of  these  falls  is  forty-two  feet,  in  the  course  of  one  mile. 
A  canal  and  locks  round  these  falls  was  ccmplettd  in  the 
autumn  of  1795.  The  Cohoez  la  this  river  are  a  great 
curiosity  ;  they  are  three  miles  from  its  entrance  into  the 
Hudson.  The  river  is  about  one  hundred  yards  wide  ; 
the  rock, over  vihich  it  pours,  as  over  a  mill-dam,,extend6 
almost  in  a  line  from  one  side  of  the  river  to  the  otlier,  and 
is  thiity  feet  perpendicular  height.  Including  the  dcrxent 
above,  the  fall  is  60  or  70  feet.  A  company  is  incorpo- 
rated, by  the  lecislature  of  New-Yoik,  for  Uie  purpose  ox  • 
N  2 


ioQ  NEW-YORK. 

opening  a  lock  navigation  from  the  now  navigable  pa;  t  ftf 
Hudson  river,  to  be  extended  to  lake  Ontario,  and  the 
Seneca  lake. 

Delaware  river  rises  in  lake  Utstayantho,  and  takes  its 
course  southwest,  until  it  crosses  into  Pennsylvania,  in 
lat  4z°  ;  thence  southwardly,  dividing  New-York  fronv 
Pennsylvania,  until  it  strikes  the  northwest  corner  of  New. 
Jersey,  in  latitude  41  29  ;  and  then  passes  ofF  to  the  sea, 
through  Delaware  bay,  having  New-Jersey  on  the  east 
side,  and  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware  on  the  west. 

Susquehanna  river,  east  branch,  has  its  source  in  lake 
Otsego.     Batteaux  pass  to  its  source. 

Tioga  river  rises  in  the  Allegany  mountains,  runs  east- 
ward]/ and  empties  into  the  Susquehanna  at'  Tioga 
point       It  is  beatable  about  fifty  miles. 

Seneca  river  rises  in  the  Seneca  country,  runs  eastward- 
ly,  and,  in  its  passage,  receives  the  waters  of  Seneca  and 
Cayuga  lakes.  It  empties  into  the  Onondago  river,  four- 
teen miles  above  the  falls,  at  a  place  called  Three  Rivers. 

Gennessee  river  rises  near  the  source  of  the  Tioga,  and 
empties  into  lake  Ontario,  eighty  miles  east  of  Niagara 
fort. 

Such  is  the  intersection  of  the  whole  state  of  New-York 
by  the  branches  of  the  Hudson,  the  Delaware,  the  Sus- 
quehanna, and  other  rivers,  which  have  been  m.entioned, 
that  there  are  few  places  which  are  more  than  fifteen  or 
twenty  miles  from  some  boatable  or  navigable  stream. 

Soil  and  Productions.  The  soil  of  the  country,  west  of 
the  mountains,  is 'exceedingly  rich,  and  covered,  in  its  nat- 
ural state,  with  maple,  beech,  birnh,  cherry,  black  walnut, 
locust.,  hickory,  aad  black  mulberry  trees.  The  lands,  be- 
t'veen  Seneca  and  Cayuga  lakes,  are  uncommonly  excel- 
lent and  covered  with  lofty  trees.  East  of  the  Allegany 
the  land  is  clothed  thick  with  timber,  and,  when  cleared, 
affords  fine  pasture.  The  vallies  product"  wheat,  hemp, 
:ilax,  oats,  corn,  &c. 

Beside  the  trees  already  mentioned,  there  are  several 
<Inds  of  oak,  spruce,  white,  yellow,  and  pitch  pines,  butter- 
nut, cedar,  fir,  aspin,  white  wood,  and  button  wood.  The 
shrub  cranberry  grows  on  low  ground  ;  its  fruit  hangs 
:"n  clusters,  like  grapes.    The  sumac  is  the  natural  pro- 


NEW- YORK.  }5i 

dcct  of  the  state  ;  It  yields  berries,  which  are  used  in 
dying. 

Minerals  and  Fcssils.  This  state  contains  vast  quantities 
of  iron  ore,  several  beds  ot  which  aie  near  Whitesiown. 
There  is  a  silver  mine  at  Philli'^sburgh,  which  pr(-duces 
virgin  silver.  Lead  is  found  in  Herkimer  county,  and  swh 
phur  in  Montgomery.  Spar,  zmc,  magnez,  pyrites  of  a 
golden  hue,  various  kinds  of  copper  ore.  petrified  wood, 
lead  and  coal  mines,  plaster  of  Paris,  ising-glass  in  sheets^ 
talcs  and  crystals  of  various  kinds  and  colors,  flint,  asbes- 
tos, and  several  other  fossils  are  found  In  New  York.  A 
little  black  stoi;e  is  also  found,  which  vitrifies  with  a  small 
heat,  and,  it  is  said,  makes  excellent  glass. 

Mineral  Springs.  Beside  the  salt  springs,  already  men- 
tioned, there  are  several  medicinal  springs  in  the  county 
of  Saratoga.  Those  which  are  most  frequented  are  called 
Ballitown  Springs,  from  their  being  within  the  limits  of  that 
town.  These  springs  are  in  a  valley  of  about  fifty  acres, 
in  extent.  The  waters  are  remarkably  limpid,  and  con- 
tain iron,  a  mineral  alkali,  common  salt  and  lime.  They  are 
brisk  and  sparkling,  and  slightly  affect  the  heads  of  some 
people  by  their  inebriating  quality,  which  is  derived  from, 
the  fixed  aii  contained  in  them.  The  water  is  used  in 
the  .neighborhood  instead  of  yeast,  in  making  bread.  A 
candle  will  not  burn  nerf!"  the  surface  of  these  waters; 
fish  and  frogs  are  killed  by  them  ;  and  geese  and  ducks 
cannot  swim  in  the  springs  but  a  few  minutes  before  they 
expire.  Large  houses  for  entertainment,  with  neat  bath- 
ing houses  and  shower  baths,  are  erected  for  the  conven- 
ience of  invalids  ;  who,  with  people  of  wealth,  and  foreign- 
ers, in  great  numbers,  resort  here  for  health  and  pleasure^ 
in  the  summer  months. 

In  the  town  of  Saratoga,  ten  miles  from  Ballstown  val- 
ley, is  a  cluster  of  springs,  which  are  more  properly  call- 
ed the  Saratoga  Springs.  These  appear  to  have  received  a 
stronger  impregnation  of  the  same  ingredients  which  en- 
ter those  of  Ballstown,  and  may  probably  be  a  stream  of 
the  same  fountain,  running  through  the  same  kind  of  cal- 
careous earth.  One  of  these  springs  is  covered  by  a  natur- 
al cretaceous  or  calcareous  pyramid,  five  or  six  feet  high. 
This  hollow  pyramid,  or  cone,  has  a  hole  in  the  top,  about 
six  inches  over,  through  which  the  water  is  seen  boiling 


152  NEW-YORK. 

veliemently>  like  a  pot  over  the  fire,  though  it  is  intenseiy 
cold. 

There  is  another  medicinal  spring,  at  the  pleasant  vil- 
lage of  New-Lebanon.  This  spring  is  on  an  eminence, 
over-looking  a  fine  valley,  and  surrounded  with  houses, 
•which  aflPord  accommodations  for  valetudinarians,  'i'he 
waters  are  warm,  of  a  different- nature  from  those  of  Sar- 
atoga,.and  delightful  for  bathing* 

In  the  town  of  Rensselaer,  nearly  opposite  to  the  city  of 
Albany,  a  spring  has  been  discovered,  combining  most  of 
the  valuable  properties  of  the  celebrated,  waters  of  Sara- 
toga. 

On  the  north  bank  of  Racket  river,  twelve  miles  from 
its  mouth,  is  a  spring  of  water,  apparently  pure,  which  e- 
mits  a  sulphureous  smell,  so  strong  as  to  be  perceived  209 
yards  distant.  The  stones  and  ground  near  it  are  crusted 
over  with  a  white  substance. 

About  twelve  miles  from  Geneva,  are  two  large  sul- 
phur springs,  100  rods  apart.  Around  each  for  a  con- 
siderable distance,  the  pure  sulphur  is  three  or  four  feet 
deep. 

Manufactures,  The  people  of  this  state,  in  general,  man^ 
ufacture  their  own  clothing  ;  but  the  principal  manufac- 
tures are  iron,  glass,  paper,  pot  and  pearl  ashes,  carthern 
ware,  maple  sugar,  and  molasses-  The  glass  and  iron 
w'orks,  about  ten  miles  from  A.lbany,  consiitute  one  ot  the 
most  extensive  factories  in  ?\  merica.  The  value  of  the  va- 
rious m anufaclu res,  in  iS  10,  was  estimated  at  b  12, 109,536. 

Commerce.  This  slate,  having  always  an  easy  access  to 
the  ocean,  commands  the  trade  of  a  great  proportion  of  the 
best  cultivated  parts  of  tlie  United  States.  Of  wheat  and 
flour,  more  than  a  million  bushels  have  been  exported  ia 
a  year,  'i'hey  export  rilso  biscuit,  corn,  ptas,  apples,  on- 
.  ions,  lumber  of  various  kinds,  hoises,  sheep,  butter,  cheese, 
beef,  and  pork.  The  amount  of  exports  from  this  state  in 
1810,  was  17/242,230  dollars. 

Language  and  Munners.  The  English  language  is  gen- 
erally spoi<ren  throughout  the  state,  but  is  much  corrupted 
by  the  Dutch  dialect,  which  is  still  spoken  in  some  coun^ 
ties,  particularly  King's,  Ulster,  and  Albany.  Dutch 
schools  are  now  discontinued,  and  the  language  willprob* 
ably  soon  cease  to  be  used. 


NEW- YORK.  158 

The  manners  of  the  people  differ,  as  well  as  their  lan- 
g.aage.  The  ancestors  of  the  inhabitants  in  the  eastern 
and  middle  parts  of  Long  island,  were  either  natives  of 
England,  or  the  immediate  descendants  of  Englishmen, 
and  their  manners  and  customs  aresimilar  to  those  of  their 
ancestors.  The  counties  inhabited  by  the  Dutch  have 
adopted  the  English  manners  to  a  certain  degree,  but  stil 
retain  many  modes,  particularly  in  their  religion,  whicl 
are  peculiar  to  the  Hollanders. 

Educatiun  and  Liierature.  The  legislature  of  the  state 
have  granted  the  liberal  sum  of  thirty  five  thousand  dol- 
lars a  year  for  the  establishment  and  support  of  schools  ; 
one  school,  at  least,  to  be  kept  within  every  tract  of  foux 
square  miles. 

There  are  twelve  or  fourteen  incorporated  academies  in 
the  state,  and  tuo  colleges. 

Columbia  college,  in  the  city  of  New- York,  is  in  a  flour- 
ishing state,  and  has  more  than  100  scliolars,  besides  med- 
ical stuJeuts.  Tiie  officers  of  instruction,  and  immediate 
government,  are  a  President,  a  Professor  of  Mathematics 
and  Natural  Philosophy,  a  Professor  of  Logic  and  Geog- 
raphy, and  a  Professor  of  Languages.  A  complete  med- 
ical s-chool  is  ar.nexed  to  the  college,  and  able  professors 
appointed  in  every  branch  of  that  important  science,  who 
regularly  teach  their  respective   branches  with  reputation. 

Union  college,  in  Skenectady,  though  an  infant  institu- 
tion, is  deservedly  celebrated.  The  annual  expense  of  ed- 
ucation here,  includu^.g  board,  tuition,  &c.  is  less  than 
100  dollars.  A  nev/  college  is  established  at  Clinton, 
Oneida  county,  called  Hamilton  college,  and  is  in  success- 
ful operation. 

Ldrrary  and  Humane  Scdet'irs.  These  are  confined  prin- 
cipally to  the  cities  of  New-York  and  Albany,  and  consist 
of  a  Society  for  promoting  Useful  Knowledge  ;  a  Socie- 
ty for  the  Manumission  of  Slaves  ;  a  Marine  Society  ;  a 
Society  for  the  Relief  of  Poor  Debtors,  confined  in  gaol  ; 
a  Manufacturing  Society  ;  an  Agricultural  Society  ;  a 
Medical  Society  ;  a  Society  for  the  Information  and  Aid 
of  Emigrants  ;  two  Missionary  and  several  Bible  Societicjj, 
art^  many  other  charitable  institutions. 

Cities  and  Towns.  New- York  is  the  capital  of  the  state 
and  stands  on  the  southwest  point  of  Manhattan,  common- 
ly called  York  Island,  at  the  confluence  of  Hudson  and 


154i  NEW^YORK. 

East  rivers.  The  pilncipal  part  of  the  city  lies  on  the 
east  side  of  the  island,  althougri  the  buildings  extend  from 
one  river  to  the  other.  The  length  of  the  city  on  East 
river,  is  about  two  miles  ;  but  falls  short  of  that  distance 
on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson.     Its  breadth  on  an  average 

■*^s  nearly  three  fourths  of  a  mile  ;  and   its   circumference, 

Wtia^y  be  four  miles. 

a  The  houses  are  generally  built  of  b:iclc,  and  the  roofs. 
tiled.  There  are  remaining  a^few  houses  built  after  the 
old  Dutch  manner.  The  city  contained,  in  1810,  9S,yl4! 
inhabitants. 

The  most  magnificent  edifice  is  the  new  city  hall,  facing 
the  park.  The  other  public  buildings  are  4<  houses  for 
public  worship  for  the  Dutch  reformed  church  ;  9  Pres. 
byterian  churches  ;  3  Scotch  Presbyierians  ;  9  Episcopal 
churches;  t\vo  -  for  German  Lutherans  and  Calvinists  ; 
two  meeting  h(3uses  for  Friends  ;  two  for  Baptists  ;  3  for 
Methodists  ;  one  for  Mor^^vians  ;  one  Roman  Catholic 
church  ;  one  French  Protestant  church  ;  and  a  synagogue 
for  Jews.  Besides  these,  there  is  the  college  ;  A  new  and 
spacious  prison,  and  several  magnificent  buildings.  The 
city  is  accommodated  with  four  markets,  in  different  parts, 
which  are  furnisfied  witli  a  ^leat  plenty  and  variety  of 
provisions,  in  neat  and  excel  lent  order.  New-York  is  es- 
teemed the  most  eligible  situation  for  commerce  in  tliC 
United  States.  In  point  of  sociability  and  hospitality,  it 
is  perhaps  not  exceeded  by  any  capital  in  the  United  States. 
The  city  of  Albany  is  situated  on  the  west  s'de  of  Hud- 
son river,  160  miles  north  of  tlie  city  of  New-York.  The 
houses  are  mostly  built  m  tho  old  Dutch  style.  The  pub- 
lic buildings  are  a  Low  Dutch  church,  two  for  Presbyte- 
rians, one  for  Germans  or  High  Dutch,  one  for  Episcopa- 
lians, one  for  Methodists,  a  hospital,  the  city  hall,  and  a 
handsome  brick  gaol.  A  great  variety  of  languages  are 
spoken  in  this  city,  but  the  English  predominates,  and  the 
useof  every  other  is  constantly  lessening.  In  1810,  it  had 
9356  inhabitants.     ^.-^  > 

Albany  is  unrival'ed  in  its  situation.  It  stands  on  the 
bank  of  one  of  the  finest  rivers  in  the  world,  at  the  head  of 
sloop  navigation.  It  is  the  natural  emporium  of  thP^n- 
creasing  trade  of  a  large  extent  of  country,  west  and  north  i. 


NEW-YORK.  155 

a  conntry  of  an  excellent  soil,  plentifully  watered  with 
navigable  lakes,  creeks,  and  rivers,  as  yet  only  partially 
peopled,  but  settling  with  almost  unexampled  rapidity  ; 
and  capable  of  affording  subsistence  and  affluence  to  mil- 
lions of  inhabitants.  ^ 

The  city  of  Hudson  has  had  the  most  rapid  growth  of 
any  place  in  America,  if  we  except  Baltimore.  It  is  situ- 
ated on  the  east  side  of  Hudson  river,  130  miles  north  of 
New- York,  and  30  miles  south  of  Albany.  It  is  surround- 
ed by  an  extensive  and  fertile  back  country,  and,  in  pro- 
portion to  its  size  and  population,  carries  on  a  large  trade. 

PouGHKKEPsiE,  the  shire  town  of  Dutchess  county,  is 
situated  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Hudson,  and  contained, 
in  1800,  3246  irthabitants.  It  has  frequently  been  the 
seat  of  the  state  government. 

Troy,  seven  miles  north  of  Albany,  is  a  thriving  town. 
Vessels  of  considerable  burthen  come  up  the  Hudson  to 
this  place. 

Lansingburgh,  ten  miles  north  of  Albany,  on  theeast 
side  of  the  Hudson,  has  considerable  trade,  and,  in  1810, 
4926  inhabitants. 

Skenectady  is  sixteen  miles  northwest  of  Albany,  on 
the  banks  of  Mohawk  river.  It  contains  upwards  of  300 
houses,  and  is  the  seat  of  Union  college. 

Plattsburgh,  on  the  west  margin  of  lake  Champlain, 
is  a  place  of  considerable  and  increasing  importance. 

Gt.NEVA,  a  post  town  of  Ontario  county,  is  on  the  north 
west  corner  of  Seneca  lake,  and  is  rapidly  increasing  in 
population. 

Whitestown,  a  post  town  of  Oneida  county,  is  seated 
on  the  south  side  of  Mohawk  river,  100  miles  west  of  Al- 
bany. In  ITf^o,  this  place  was  inhabited  by  t<wo  families 
only  ;  in  1800,  it  contained  4212  inhabitants.  Utica, 
which  is  within  the  limits  of  this  township,  is  one  of  the 
most  flourishing  spots  in  the  United  States.  Clinton  is 
the  seat  of  the  new  college,  and  is  a  pleasant  town,  8  miles 
from  Utica. 

Curiosities.  Beside  the  springs  already  mentioned,  New- 
York  contains  many  natural  cuiiosities.  In  the  southeast 
part  of  lake  Erie,  twenty  rods  from  the  shore,  where  the 
wafft-  is  five  feet  deep,  is  a  curious  spring  boiling  up  from 
the  bottom.     It  is  inflammable,  when  a  brand  is  thrust  in- 


156  NEW-YORK.   * 

to  it,  and  proves  a  powerful  emetic  when  drank.  It  hks 
been  named  Ether  spring. 

In  Montgomery  county  is  a  small  rapid  stream,  which 
nms  under  a  hill,  the  base  of  which  is  seventy  yards  in  di- 
ameter, farming  a  most  beautiful  arch  in  the  rock,  as 
white  as  snow.  The  fury  of  the  water,  the  roughness  of 
the  bottom,  and  the  terrific  noise  within,  have  hitherto  pre* 
vente^  any  person  from  passing  through  the  chasm. 

Ifi  Clinton  county,  is  a  curious  split  rock.  A  point  of  a 
mountain,  which  projected  about  50  yards  into  lake 
Champlain,  appears  to  have  been  broken  by  some  violent 
shock  of  nature.  It  is  removed  from  the  main  rock  or 
mountain,  abcfut  twenty  feet,  and  the  opposite  sides  suit  so 
exactly,  that  no  other  proof  of  their  having  been  once  u- 
nited  is  nec^jttry.  The  point  broken  off,  contains  half  an 
acre,  and  is^overed  with  wood. 

Antiquities.  Near  the  mouth  of  Black  river,  which  enters 
lake  Ontario,  are  the  ruins  of  an  ancient  fort  ;  and  near 
Sandy  Creek  are  four  others.  Some  of  these  works  are 
regularly  built,  and  are  almost  entire.  On  these  ramparts 
of  other  times,  trees  are  growing  two  feet  in  diameter. 
In  one  of  them  is  a  well,  14  feet  deep,  stoned  in  the  usual 
method. 

Indians.     The  remains  of  the  Six  Confederated  Nations, 

viz.  the  Mohawks,  Oneidas,  Tuscaroras,  Senecas,  Onoh- 

•dagas,  and   Delawares,  reside  in  this  state  and   Canada. 

Their  whole  number  is    supposed  to  be  about  6000  souls. 

lilands.  Manhattan,  or  York  island,  on  which  is  sit- 
uated the  city  of  New  York,  is  fifteen  miles  in  length,  and 
scarcely  one  in  breadth.  It  is  joined  to  the  main  land  by 
a  bridge. 

Long  Island  is  140  miles  long,  and,  on  a  medium,  ten 
broad.  It  is  separated  from  Connecticut  by  Long  island 
Sound.  It  is  divided  into  three  counties,  viz.  Kuig's 
Q'leen's.  and  SniF^ilk.  The  south  side  cf  the  island  is  flat 
land,  of  a  light,  sandy  soil,  bordered  on  the  sea  coast  with 
large  tracfs  of  salt  meadow.  This  joi!,  however,  is  well 
calculated  for  raising  grain.  The  north  side  of  the  island  is 
hilly,  and  of  a  strong  soil,  adapted  to  tJie  culture  of  grain, 
hay.  and  fruit.  A  ridge  of  hills  extends  from  Jamaica  to 
Souvhhold.  Large  hv'^rds  of  cattle  feed  upon  the  plain.<i%:id 
salt  marshes.      In  IB  10,  it  contained  48,752  inhabitants. 


NEW.JERSEY.  157 

Staten  Island  lies  9  miles  southwest  of  the  city  of 
New- York,  and  forms  Richhiond  county.  It  is  18  miles 
in  length,  and,  at  a  medium,  6  or  7  in  breadth,  and  con- 
tained, in  1810,  5347  inhabitants.  On  the  south  side  Is  a 
tra-ct  of  level,  good  land  ;  but  the  island  in  general  is 
rough  and  the  hills  high.  , 


NEW-JERSEY 


Situation  and  Extent.  THE  state  of  New- Jeisey  lies  be- 
tween 59  and  41  24  N.  latitude  ;  its  length,  from  N.  to 
S.  being  about  160  miles.  Its  western  boundary  neatly 
corresponds  with  the  meridian  of  Philadelphia,  ftcm  wtiich 
it  extends  to  nearly  one  degree  of  east  longitude. 'tv  Its 
breadth  is  computed  at  52  miles.  These  dimensions  give 
the  area  of  about  8320  square  miles,  equal  to  5,324,S00 
acres. 

Bounifarirs.  It  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  Hudson  river 
and  the  sea  ;  south  by  the  sea  ;  west  by  Pennsylvania  ; 
north  by  New-York. 

Divisions  and  Population.  This  state  is  divided  into  13 
counties,  and  116  townships. 


Counties. 

Inhabitants 

Counties. 

Inhabitants 

in  18)0. 

in  1810. 

Gape  May 

3,632 

Bergen 

16,603 

Cuniberland 

12,(370 

Essex 

25,984. 

Salem 

12,761 

Middlesex 

20,381 

Gloucester 

19,744 

Monmouth 

22,150 

l^nrlington 

2t,979 

.Somerset 

14,728 

Hunterdon 

2t,553 

Morris 

21,828 

Sussex 

25,549 

Total  245,562 
Facf  of  the  Country.  The  counties  of  Sussex,  Morris, 
and  Bergen  are  mountainous.  The  interior  country,  in 
general,  is  agreei^hly  diversified  with  hills  2nd  vallies. 
The  southern  counties,  which  lie  along  the  sea  coast,  are 
uniformly  fl  it  and  sandy. 

Bays  and  Rivers.     That  part  of  the  state,  which  borders 
on  the  sea,  is  indented  with  a  great  number  of  small  riv- 
O 


158  NEW-JERSEY. 

-ers  and  creeks,  which,  as  the  country  is  flat,  are  navigable 
for  small  craft,  almost  to  their  sources. 

The  most  remarkable  bay  is  Arthur  KuU,  or  Newark 
bay,  formed  by  the  union  of  Passaic  and  Hackinsac  rivers. 
This  bay  opens  to  the  right  and  left,  and  embraces  Sta- 
ten  Island. 

Hackinsac  river  rises  in  Bergen  county,  runs  a  souther- 
ly course,  and  empties  into  Newark  bay.  At  its  mouih, 
it  is  460  yards  wide,  and  is  navigable  i5  m.iles. 

Passaic  is  a  very  crooked  river,  rising  in  a  large  swamp, 
in  Morris  county.  Its  general  course  is  from  northwest 
to  southeast,  till  it  mingles  with  the  Hackinsac,  at  tlie 
head  of  Newark  bay*  The  cataract,  or  Great  Fall,  in 
this  river  is  the  greatest  natural  curiosity  in  the  state.  It 
is  forty  yards  wide,  and  falls  over  a  rock,  which  crosses 
the  channel,  seventy  feet  perpendicularly,  in  one  entire 
sheet. 

Raritan  river  is  formed  by  two  considerable  streams, 
called  north  and  south  branches,  one  of  which  rises  in 
Morris,  the  other  in  Hunterdon  county.  It  passes  by 
Brunswick  and  Amboy,  into  Newark  bay,  and  helps  to 
form  the  fine  harbor  of  Amboy. 

Delaware  river  divides  New-Jersey  and  Pennsylvania. 
The  following  rivers  all  run  into  the  Delaware  :  Cesarer, 
or  Cohansey  creek,  rises  in  Salem  county,  navigable  twen- 
ty miles.  Mulius  river,  which  divides  Gloucester  and 
Burlington  counties,  navigable  twenty  miles.  Maurice 
river,  which  rises  in  Gloucester  county,  navigable  fifteen 
or  twenty  miles.  Alloway  creek,  in  Saiem  county,  and 
Ancocus  creek,  in  Burlington  county,  both  navigable  fif- 
teen or  twenty  miles.  1  here  are  a  great  many  others,  of 
less  note,  navigable  short  distances. 

Mountains.  The  South  mountain,  which  is  one  ridge  of 
the  Allegany  range,  crosses  this  stafe.  This  mountain 
embosoms  such  amazing  quantities  of  iron  ore,  that  it 
may  not  improperly  be  called  the  Iron  mountain  The 
Kittatinny  r'dge  passes  through  this  state,  north  of  the 
South  mountain.  Several  spurs  from  these  ridges  project 
in  a  southerv-  dirpction.  7'he  noted  high  lands  of  Nave- 
sink  and  Centre  hill  are  almost  the  ooly  hills  within  \he 
distance  of  many  mil^s  from  the  sea-coast. 


NEW-JERSET.  159 

Soil  and  Productions.  New  Jersey  has  all  the  varieties  of 
soil,  from  the  worst  to  the  best  kind.  The  good  land  lies 
principally  on  the  banks  of  rivers  and  creeks.  The  bar- 
rens produce  little  else  but  shrub  oaks  and  yellow  pines. 
These  sandy  lands  yield  an  immense  quantity  of  bog  iron 
ore.  in  the  hilly  and  mountainous  parts  of  the  state, 
■which  are  not  too  rocky  for  cultivation,  the  soil  is  of  a 
stronger  kind,  and  covered,  in  its  natural  slate,  -with  state- 
ly oaks,  hickories,  chesnuts,  &c.  ;  and,  when  cultivated, 
produces  wheat,  rye,  Indian  corn,  buck  wheat,  oats,  bar- 
ley, flax,  and  fruits  of  all  kinds,  common  to  the  climate. 
The  orchards  in  many  parts  of  the  state,  equal  any  in  the 
United  States,  and  their  cider  is  said  to  be  the  best  in  the 
world. 

The  markets  of  New- York  and  Philadelphia,  receive  a 
very  considerable  proportion  of  their  supplies  from  the 
contiguous  parts  of  New-Jersey.  These  supplies  consist 
of  vegetables  of  many  kinds,  apples,  pears,  peaches,  plums, 
strawberries,  cherries,  and  other  fruits.  Cider,  in  large 
quantities,  butter,  cheese,  beef,  pork,  mutton,  and  poultry. 
Alines.  It  has  already  been  mentioned,  that  the  moun- 
tains of  New- Jersey  yield  immense  quantities  of  iron  ore, 
and  the  low  grounds  are  no  less  productive  of  that  kind, 
called  bog  iron  ore.  There  a^e  also  several  large  copper 
mines,  of  great  value.  Besides  these,  the  state  contains 
mines  of  lead,  coal,  plaster  of  Paris  ;  with  immense  quar- 
ries of  very  valuable  stone.  A  slate  quarry  has  lately 
been  discovered  in  Hunterdon  county,  which  yields  slate 
of  a  superior  quality. 

Mineral  and  other  Springs.  In  the  county  of  Morris,  is  a 
cold  mineral  -spring.  It  is  frequented  by  valetudinarians,' 
and  its  waters  have  been  used  with  very  considerable  suc- 
cess. 

In  the  tovvn  of  Planover,  in  the  same  cjunty,  on  a  ridge 
of  hills,  are  a  number  of  wells,  which  regularly  ebb  and 
flnv,  about  six  feet,  twice  in  every  twenty  four  hours. 
The  wells  are  nearly  forty  miles  from  the  sea,  in  a  strait 
line. 

In  the  county  of  Hunterdon,  near  the  top  of  Muskonet- 
cong  mountain,  is  a  noted  niedicinal  spring,  to  which  in- 
valids resort  from  every  quucer.  It  issues  from  the  side 
of  a  mountain;  and  is  conveyed  into  an  artificial  reservoir, 


160  NEWJERSEY. 

i':--r  the  convenience  of  those  who  wish  to  bathe  In,  as  well 
as  to  o'"ir.k  the  waters.  It  is  a  strong  chalybeate,  and 
very  cold. 

Tie:  e  is  a  curious  sf  .ing,  about  200  yards  from  the 
south  br.inca  of  Raritan  river,  from  which,  even  in  the  dri- 
est seasons,  a  small  stream  issues,  except  when  the  wind 
conl:nu.,\s  to  blow  from  the  northwest,  for  more  than  two 
days  successively,  when  it  ceases  to  run  ;  and,  if  the  wa- 
ter be  taken  nut  of  the  cask  placed  in  the  ground,  it  will 
remain  empty  until  the  wind  changes,  when  it  is  again  fiU- 
ed,  and  flows  as  usual. 

Maniifadur-es.  The  most  important  manufactures  In 
New  Jersey,  are  those  of  iron  and  leather.  T\\s  iron  works, 
in  the  county  of  Morris  alone,  produce  annually  about  800 
tons  of  pigs,  ,5iO  tons  of  bar  iron,  and  large  quantities  of 
nail  rods,  sheet  iron,  and  hollow  ware.  Other  parts  of 
the  state  are  noted  for  the  same  manufactures, 

Newark  is  the  seat  of  a  considerable  shoe  manii*"actory, 
which  employs  200  workmen,  and  produces  luO,()00  pairs 
cf  slioes  aanually.  The  other  articles  of  manufacture  are 
steel,  nails,  paper,  flour,  and  powder.  Most  of  the  fami- 
lies in  the  country,  make  their  own  clothing. 

This  state  is  remarkable  for  mill  seats,  1 100  of  which 
are  now  occupied  ;  500  with  flour  mills,  and  the  rest  with 
saw  mills,  fulling  mills,  forges,  furnaces,  slitting  and  roll- 
ing, paper,  powder,  and  oil  mills. 

Trade.  1  he  trade  of  this  state  is  carried  on  almost  sole- 
ly with  and  from  those  two  great  commercial  cities,  New- 
York  on  one  side  and  Philadelphia  on  the  other.  Amount 
of  exports  in  IS  10,  430,267  dollars. 

Bridges.  There  are  bridges  erected  over  the  Passaic, 
Hackinsac,  Raritan,  and  Delaware  rivers,  on  the  post  read 
between  New- York  and  Philadelphia,  which  greatly  facil- 
itate the  intercourse  between  those  two  cities. 

Literature  and  Educahon.  Tiiere  is  a  college  at  Prince- 
ton, called  Nassau  Hall,  which  has  been  under  the  care  of 
a  succession  of  presidents,  eminent  for  piety  and  learning  ; 
and  has  furnished  a  number  of  civilians,  divines,  and  phy- 
.sicians,  of  the  iirst  rank  in  America.  It  has  upwards  of 
100  students,  is  increasing,  and  has  a  library  of  about  4000 
volumes.  A  theological  seminary,  with  two  professors, 
lias  been  established  here  by  the  general  assembly  of  the 


NEW  JERSEY.  161 

Presbyterian  church,  with  promising  prospect';.  There  is 
also  a  college  at  Brunswick,  in  this  state,  called  Queen's 
college  ;  its  charter  bears  date  1J70.  It  was  established 
by  the  Reformed  Dutch  church,  and  designed  principally 
to  be  a  Thsological  Seminary.  For  a  number  of  years  it  de- 
clined, <f.Al  ceased  its  operations.  It  is  now  revived,  and 
flourishing  under  the  care  of  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston. 
There  ate  academies  at  Trenion,  Hackinsac,  Orangedale, 
EHzabeihtown,  Burlington,  and  Newark. 

Beside  these,  there  are  grammar  schools  at  Freehold, 
Spriijgtield,  Morristown,  Bordentown,  and  Amboy. 

Cities  ami  Towns.  Trentos  is  one  of  the  largest  towns 
in  New-Jersey,  and  the  capital  of  the  state.  It  is  situated 
on  the  east  side  of  the  river  Delaware,  opposite  the  falls, 
nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  state,  from  north  to  south,  iii 
lat,  HO  15,  and  about  15' east  of  tlie  meridian  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

Burlington  city  extends  three  miles  along  the  Dela- 
ware, and  one  mile  back  at  right  angles,  into  the  county 
of  Burhngton,  and  is  twenty  miles  above  the  city  of  Fhi- 
ladelphia,  by  water  and  seventeen  by  land, 

Perth  Amboy  city  stands  on  a  neck  of  land,  included 
between  Raritan  liver  and  Arthur  Kull  sound.  Its  situ- 
ation is  high  and  healthy.  It  lies  open  to  Sandy  Hook, 
and  has  one  of  the  best  harbors  on  the  continent. 

Brunswick  city  is  situated  on  the  southwest  side  of 
Raritan  river,  over  which  a  fine  bridge  has  been  built,  12 
miles  above  Amboy.  Its  situation  is  low  and  pleasant, 
being  on  the  bank  of  a  river,  and  under  a  high  hill,  which 
ris-^s  back  of  the  town.     It  is  the  seat  of  Queen's  college. 

Princeton  is  a  pleasant  village,  of  about  80  houses, 
52  miles  from  New- York,  and  42  fro.m  Philadelphia.  It 
is  the  beat  of  Nassau  Hall  college.  'Phe  college  edifice 
is  of  stone,  large  and  handsome.  On  the  right  and  left 
of  the  college,  are  edifices,  one  for  a  dining  hail,  the  other 
for  the  library. 

Elizabethtown  borough  is  fifteen  miles  from  New- 
York.  Its  situation  is  pleasant,  and  its  soil  equal  in  fertil- 
ity to  any  in  the  state. 

Newark  is  nine  miles  from  New- York,  h  h  a  hand- 
some flourishing  town,  and  had,  in  1810,  7993  inhabitant;;. 

Curiosities.  In  Monmouth  county,  on  the  sid?'  o^'  a 
O  2 


/I 


162  DELAWARE. 

branch  of  N.ivesink  river,  is  a  remarkable  cave,  in  which 
are  three  rooms.  The  cave  is  about  80  feet  long,  and  15 
feet  broad.  Each  of  the  rooms  is  arched  ;  the  centre  of 
the  arch  is  about  five  feet  from  the  bottom  of  the  cave  ; 
the  sides  not  more  than  two  and  a  half.  The  mouth  of 
the  cave  is  small ;  the  bottom  is  a  loose  sand  ;  and  the 
arch  is  formed  in  a  soft  rock,  through  the  pores  of  which, 
the  moisture  is  slowly  exudated,  and  falls  in  drops,  on  the 
sand  below. 

DELAWARE.  * 

situation  and  Extent.  THIS  state  derived  its  name  from 
Lord  De  la  War,  who  was  among  the  first  settlers  of  Vir- 
ginia. It  includes  the  territory  formerly  denominated  the 
Three  Lotver  Counties,  annexed  to  Pennsylvania,  lying  be- 
tween Ion.  74  5Q.,  and  75  40  W.  and  between  38  30  and 
39  50  north  latitude.  It  is  the  smallest  state  in  the 
Union,  except  Rhode- Island,  being  but  96  miles  long,  and 
on  an  average  24<  broad. 

Boundaries.  Delvvare  is  bounded  east  by  Delaware 
river  and  bay,  and  the  Atlantic  ocean  ;  south  and  west  by 
Maryland  ;  north  by  Pennsylvania. 

Divisions  and  Population,  This  state  is  divided  into  3 
counties  and  25  townships. 

Counties.         No.  of  towns.     Population  in  1810.       Chief  towns. 
Newcastle  S  24,429  Newcastle 

Kent  5  20,495  Dover 

Sussex  1 1  27,750  Georgetown 


25  72,674 

Face  of  the  Country.  The  state  of  Delaware,  the  upper- 
parts  of  the  county  of  Newcastle  excepted,  is  generally 
extremely  low  and  level.  Large  quantities  of  stagnant 
water  at  particular  seasons  of  the  year,  overspreading  a 
qreat  proportion  of  the  land,  and  rendering  it  injurious  to 
the  health  of  the  inhabitants. 

Rivers  and  Creels.  The  eastern  side  of  the  state  is  in- 
dented with  a  large  number  of  creeks  or  small  rivers,  which 
I'-cnerally  have  a  short  course,  soft  banks,  numerous  shoals, 
and  aie  skir-ted  with  very  extensive  marshes,  and  empty 
into  the  river  and  bay  of  Delaware.  In  the  southern  and 
wesiern  paits  of  the  state,  spring  the  head  v.-a'crv  of  F')co- 


DELAWARE.  168 

moke,  IVicomico,  Nanticoke,  Choptank,  Chester,  Sassafras, 
and  Bohemia  rivers,  all  failing  inio  Chesapeak  bay,  and 
sonae  of  ihem  are  navigable  20  or  30  miles  into  the  coun- 
try, for  vessels  of  50  or  60  tons 

Soil  and  Bruductions.  Delaware  is  chiefly  an  agricultural 
state.  It  includes  a  very  fertile  tract  of  country  :  and 
scarcely  any  part  of  the  Union  can  be  selt-cted  better  adapt- 
ed to  the  different  purposes  of  agriculture,  or  in  which  a 
greater  variety  oF  the  most  useful  productions  can  be  so 
conveniently  and  plentifully  reared. 

Wheat  IS  the  staple  commodity  of  this  state.  It  grows 
here  in  such  perfection,  as  not  only  to-be  particularly  sought 
by  the  manufacturers  of  flour  throughout  the  Union,  but 
also  to  be  distinguished  and  preferred,  for  its  superior  qual- 
ities, in  foreign  markets.  This  wheat  possesses  an  uncom- 
mon softness  and  whiteness,  very  favorable  to  the  manu- 
facture of  superflne  flour,  and  in  other  respects,  far  exceeds 
the  hard  and  flinty  grain  raised,  generally,  on  the  high 
lands.  Besides  wheat,  this  state  produces  plentiful  crops 
of  Indian  corn,  barley,  rye,  oats,  flax,  buckwheat,  and  po- 
tatoes. It  abounds  in  natural  and  artificial  meadows, 
containing  a  large  variety  oi  grasses.  Hemp,  cotton,  and 
silk,  if  attended  to,  flourish  very  well. 

Minerah.  Among  the  branches  of  the  Nanticoke  river, 
are  large  quantities  of  bog  iron  ore  oF%n  excellent  quali- 
ty, and  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  casting. 

Trade  and  Manufactures.  We  have  already  mentioned 
wheat  as  the  staple  commodity  of  this  stiue.  This  is  man- 
ufactured into  flour,  and  exported  in  large  quantities.  The 
exports  are  principally  from  the  port  of  Wilmington.  The 
manufacture  of  flour  is  carried  to  a  higher  degree  of  per- 
fection in  this  state  than  in  any  other  in  the  Union, 
There  are  well  constructed  mills  on  Red  Clay  and  White 
Clay  creeks,  and  ether  streams  in  different  parts  of  the 
state,  and  a  celebrated  collection  of  mills  at  Brandywine, 
all  of  superior  dimensions  and  excellent  construction. 
These  mills  are  three  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  creek 
on  which  they  stand,  half  a  mile  from  Wilmington,  and 
twenty-seven  from  Philadelphia,  on  the  post  road  from 
the  eastern  to  the  southern  states.  They  are  called  Bran- 
dywine mills,  from  the  stream  on  which  they  are  erected. 
The  quantity  of  wheat  manufactured  in  these  mills,  annu- 


164  DELAWARE. 

nlly  is  estimated  at  100,000  bushels.  They  give  employ^ 
ment  to  about  "2,00  persons. 

Besides  the  wheat  and  flour  trade,  this  state  exports  lum- 
ber, Indian  corn,  barley,  oats,  flax-seed,  salted  provisions, 
paper,  slit  iron,  snuff,  &c. 

Public  Improvements^  A  bridge  and  causeway,  extend- 
ing about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  Lewes  to  the  beach, 
over  a  wide  creek  and  marsh,  has  lately  been  built  at  the 
expense  of  individuals.  Canals  are  making  in  several 
parts  of  the  state.  The  lighthouse,  near  Lewes,  is  a  fine 
stone  structure,  8  stories  high. 

Literature,  'i'here  is  no  college  in  this  state.  At  Wil- 
mington and  Newark  academies  are  established.  The  leg- 
islature have  provided  a  fund  for  the  support  of  schools 
throughout  the  stale. 

Chief  Towns.  Dover,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  is  the  seat 
of  government.  It  stands  on  Jones's  creek,  a  few  miles 
from  Delaware  river,  containing  about  100  houses,  prin- 
cipally of  brick.  The  town  lias  a  lively  appearance,  and 
drives  on  a  considerable  trade  with  Philadelphia.  Wheat 
is  the  principal  article  of  export.  The  landing  is  five  or 
six  miles  from  the  town  of  Dover.  • 

Newcastle  is  thirty-five  miles  below  Philadelphia,  on 
the  west  bank  of  the  Delaware  river.  It  was  first  settled 
by  the  Swedes,  aWut  1627.  It  was  formerly  the  seat  ef 
government,  and  contains  about  60  houses,  which  wear 
the  aspect  of  decay. 

Wilmington,  a  mile  and  a  half  west  of  Delaware  riv- 
er, on  Christiana  creek,  28  miles  southward  from  Phila- 
delphia, is  the  largest  and  most  pleasant  town  in  the  slate, 
containing  upwards  of  400  houses,  handsomely  built  upon 
a  gentle  ascent  of  an  eminence,  and  show  to  great  advan- 
tage in  sailing  up  the  Delaware.  It  contains  about  2-iOO 
inhabitants. 

MiLFc.Rj)  is  at  the  source  of  a  small  river,  fifteen  miles 
from  Delaware  bay,   and  150  southward  of  Philadelphia. 

Duck;  Creek  Cross  Roads  is  tv.-elve  miles  northwest 
from  Dover,  and  has  80  or  90  houses,  which  stand  on  one 
street.  It  carries  on  a  considerable  trade  with  Philadel- 
phia, and  is  one  of  the  largest  wheat  markets  in  the  state. 

Lewi  STOWS'  is  situated  a  few  miles  above  the  light- 
house on  Cape  Henlopen,  containing  about  1  jO  houses. 


PENNSYLVANIA. 


165 


bulk  chiefly  on  one  street,  which  Is  three  miles  long,  ex- 
tending along  the  creek,  which  separates  the  town  from 
the  pitch  of  the  cape. 

Georgetown,  fifteen  miles  west  of  Lewlstown,  is  the 
seat  of  justice  for  Sussex  county. 

CrtftisTiASABitiDOB  Is  situated  on  a  navigable  creek  of 
its  name  ;  it  was  settled  by  the  Swedes,  in  1640,  and  thus 
called  after  tljeir  queen. 


PENNSYLVANIA. 

B'ltuathn  and  Extent.  THIS  state  received  its  name  from 
William  Penn,  to  whom  it  was  granted  by  Charles  [I.  in 
1681.  It  i?  situated  between  'J9°  t3'  and  42''  north  lati- 
tude, and  between  20'  east,  and  5°  west  longitude  ;  228 
miles  long,  and  156  broad.  The  northwest  corner  of  the 
state,  containing  202,000  acres,  was  purchased  of  Congress 
by  the  legislature  of  the  state.  Except  this  purchase,  the 
state  lies  in  a  form  of  a  parallelogram.  It  contains  4  tjQOO 
square  miles. 

Boundaries.  Pennsylvania  is  bounded  east  by  Delaware 
river,  which  separates  it  from  New  Jersey  ;  north  by  New- 
York,  and  Lake  Erie  ;  northwest  by  a  part  of  Lake  Erie  ; 
west  by  the  state  of  Ohio,  and  a  part  ^£  Virginia ;  south 
by  Virginia,  Maryland,  and  Delaware. 

Divisions  and  Population.  Pennsylvania  Is  divided  Into 
the  following  43  counties,  viz 

Counties.  No.  inhab 


City  and  county  7 
ofPhiIacleIphia.3 
Mi)iitgomery       « 
Bucks 

Delaware  ^ 

Chester 
liancaster 
Berks 

Northainptoa 
Luzerne 
Dciupliiii 
Northumberland 
Wayne 
Adams 
Allegany 


in  1310. 

1 1 1 ,200 

29,703 
32,371 
14,734 
59,596 
53,927 
43,156 
38,145 
13,109 
31,883 
86,327 
4,125 
J  5,1 52 
25,317 


Counties. 

Armstrong 

Beaver 

Bedford 

Butler 

Crawford 

Cumberland 

Fayette 

Franklin 

Green 

Huntingdon 

Lycoming 

Mercer 

Mifllin  and  Centre 

Somerset 

Venango 


No.  inhab. 
in  1810. 

6,143 
12,168 
15,746 

7,346 

6,1  78 
26,757 
24,714 
23,083 
13,544 
14,778 
11,006 

8,277 
22,81:5 
11,284 

3,060 


166 


PENNSYLVANIA. 


Counties. 

No.  inliab. 
in  1810. 

Counties. 

Warren 

827 

Clearfield 

Washington 

36,289 

JefFersoa  - 

Westmoreland 

26,392 

Tioga 

York 

31,958 

Potter 

Erie 

3,758 

M'Kean 

Cambria 

2,117 

Indiana 

6,214 

No.  inliab. 

in  1810. 

875 

161 

1,687 

29 

142 


Total        ■  810,091 

These  counties  contain  G^^  townships,  not  created  by 
any  special  law  of  the  legislature,  but  by  the  judges  of  the 
courts  of  common  pleas,  on  application  of  a  sufficient 
number  of  the  inhabitants  in  any  neighborhood. 

This  stare  contained  in  1800,  602,5^5  inhabitants  ;  in- 
crease in  10  years,  2'J7>793.  The  inhabitants  are  prin- 
cipally descendants  of  English,  Irish,  and  Germans. 
There  are  a  few  of  Scotch,  Welch,  Swedish,  and  Dutch 
extraction.  It  is  supposed  that  one  fourth  of  the  whole 
population  are  descendants  from  Germans. 

Rivers.  The  river  Delaware  mentioned  in  the  description 
of  New- York,  forms  the  eastern  boundary  of  this  state. 

Schuylkill  river  rises  northwest  of  the  Kittatinny  moun- 
tains, through  which  it  passes.  After  a  course  of  120 
miles  in  a  southern  direction,  it  falls  into  the  Delaware, 
seven  miles  below  Philadelphia. 

Susquehannah  elver  runs  in  such  a  serpentine  course,  as 
to  cross  the  boundary  line,  between  New-York  and  Penn- 
sylvania, three  tinies.  After  receiving  numerous  tributa- 
ry streams,  it  falls  into  the  head  of  Chesapeak  bay.  It  is 
more  than  a  mile  wide  at  its  mouth,  and  navigable  only 
twenty  miles,  navigation  being  obstructed  by  rapids. 

The  Swetara,.  which  falls  into  the  Susquehanna  from, 
tlie  northeast,  is  navigable  fifteen  miles. 

The  several  branches  of  Yough.oolieny  :iver  rise  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Allegany  mountains.  They  unite,  and 
form  a  large  beauLifut  river.  After  a  cour.se  of  thirty  or 
forty  miles,  it  unites  vvivh  Monongahcla,  which  comes  from 
the  southward.  I'hese  united  sircums,  :iOon  after  their 
junction,  mingle  with  the  Allegany  at  Pittsburg,  and,  to- 
gether, form  the  river  Ohio. 

The  Allegany  rises  west  of  the  Allegany  mountains, 
and  runs  200  miles  before  its  junction  with  the  Mouoaga- 
hela,  at  Pittsburg. 


PENNSYLVANIA.  167 

The  Lehigh  rises  in  Northampton  county,  and  falls  in- 
to the  Delaware,  eleven  miles  northeast  of  Bethlehem.  It 
runs  seventy -five  miles,  and  is  navigable  thiity. 

Canals.  A  canal  is  begun  at  Norristown,  to  render  the 
Schuylkill  navigable  from  Reading,  eighty-five  or  ninety 
■miles  to  Philadelphia.  Other  canals  have  been  projected, 
but  not  yet  completed. 

Face  of  the  Country  and  Soil.  A  considerable  proportion 
of  this  state  may  be  called  mountainous  ;  the  Great  Range 
of  Allegany  mountains  passing  through  it.  The  principal 
ridges  of  this  range,  which  are  in  Pennsylvania,  are,  the 
Ktttatinny,  or  Blue  Mountains,  which  p^iss  north  of  Naza- 
reth, and  pursue  a  southwest  course.  Back  of  these  and 
nearly  parallel  wiih  them,  are  Peters,  Tuscarora,  and  Nes- 
copec  mountains,  on  the  east  of  the  Susquehanna;  and  on 
the  west,  Shermon's  hills,  Sideling  hills,  Ragged,  Great 
W-:rrior's,  Evil's  and  Will's  mountains  ;  the  great  Alle- 
gany ridge,  which  being  the  largest,  gives  its  name  to  the 
•whole  range  ;  west  of  this,  are  the  Chesnut  ridges.  Be- 
tween the  Juniata  and  the  western  branch  of  the  Susque- 
hanna, are  Jack's,  Tussy's,  Nittiny,  and  Bald  Eagle  moun- 
tains. The  vales  between  these  mountains,  are  generally 
of  a  rich  black  soil,  suited  to  the  various  kinds  of  grain  and 
grass.  Some  of  the  mountains  will  admit  of  cultivation  al- 
most to  their  tops.  The  other  parts  of  the  state  are  gen-, 
erally  level, or  agreeably  variegated  with  hills  and  vallies. 

Botany.  Pennsylvania  includes  the  greater  part  of  the 
kiads  oi  trees,  shrubs,  and  plants,  that  grow  within  the 
UiHced  States.  Oaks  of  several  species  form  the  bulk  of 
the  woods.  Hickory  and  walnut  are  more  plentiful  here, 
than  in  the  norchern  states,  bassafras,  mulberry,  tulip 
-  tree,  and  cedar,  are  coir.mon  and  grow  to  perfection. 
Tiie  swamp  sassafrasr.  is  fouu'  in  low  grounds ;  the  twigs 
and  roots  are  used  both  in  bd.'.h  and  decoction,  for  re- 
moving the  rheuniaiibm.  The  cucumb'.i  tree  grows  ve- 
ry tall  about  the  western  mountains,  i'he  umbrella  tree 
is  found  in  some  places,  sixteen  or  twenty  feet  high  ;  the 
bark  is  smooth,  and  the  leaves,  v  hich  are  placed  at  the 
ends  of  the  branches,  s'lmf-ti'^nes  exceed  twelve  or  fifteen 
inches  in  length,  and  five  or  s'x  u\  breadth,  terminating 
in  a  point  at  each  extieinity  :  these  leaves  are  in  a  cir- 
cular  form,   resembling  an   umbrella  ;  hence  the  name* 


168  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  bark  of  a  tulip  tree  is  esteemed  a  tolerable  substitute 
for  the  Peruvian  bark ;  but  the  dog  wood,  which  is  fre- 
quent in  this  state,  is  preferred.  Besides  many  other  val- 
uable trees  and  shrubs,  are  the  several  species  of  maple  : 
of  tMese,  the  scarlet-flowered  and  sugar  maple  are  the 
most  useful ;  they  are  common  in  the  northern  and  west- 
ern parts  of  the  state,  and  larger  than  the  other  species, 
growing  from  fifty  to  sixty  feet  high,  and  yield  abundance 
of  sap,  for.  the  making  of  sugar.  The  ash-leaved  tooth- 
ach  tree,  is  found  here  and  in  Maryland.  The  bark  and 
capsules  have  an  acrid  taste,  and  are  used  in  relieving  the 
tooth-ach,  whence  it  has  got  its  name.  The  slirubby  bith- 
wort  grows  near  Fort  Pitt.  It  thrives  in  the  shade,  in 
a  rich  soil ;  grows  about  thirty  feet  high,  and  sends  off 
many  twining  branches.  The  roots  have  a  lively  aro- 
matic taste,  and  are  thought  to  have  equal  medicinal  vir- 
tue to  the  small  Virginia  snakeroot.  The  red  berried  el- 
der is  found  here.  Among  the  Indians  it  is  called  fever 
bush  ;  and  a  decoction  of  its  wood  and  buds  is  highly  es- 
teemed by  them.  It  would  be  endless  to  describe  the 
beautiful  flowering  shrubs,  and  useful  as  well  as  orna- 
mental plants  in  this  state.  Grapes  of  several  sorts  are 
common  :  the  late  kind,  when  mellowed  by  frost,  make, 
with  the  addition  of  sugar,  good  wire.  The  apples,  pears, 
plums,  and  peaches  are  good  At  present  the  cultivation 
of  the  vine  is  much  in  vogue  in  Pennsylvania 

Mines.  Iron  ore  abounds  in  this  state.  Copper,  lead,  and 
alum,  appear  in  some  places.  Lime-stone  is  common,  as  is 
also  several  kinds  of  marble.  In  the  middle  and  western 
country,  is  abundance  of  coal ;  an  extensive  bed  of  which 
strietches  over  the  country  southwestwardly,  so  as  to  be 
found,  in  the  greatest  plenty,  about  Pittsburgh.  There  are 
also  large  bodies  of  coal,  on  the  head  waters  of  the 
Schuylkill  and  Lehigh  ;  and  another  bed  at  Wyoming. 

Zoology.  The  useful  quadrupeds,  in  the  new  districts,  are 
deer  In  great  numbers,  beavers>otters, racoons, and  martins. 
Buffaloes  rarely  cross  the  Ohio  ;  and  elks  seldom  advance 
from  the  north.  Panthers,  wild-cats,  beirs,  foxes,  and 
wolves,  are  not  rarej  the  last  do  most  mischief,  especially  in 
the  winter;  but  the  fur  and  skins  of  all  are  valuable.  In  ihe 
thick  settlements,  rabbits  and  squirrels  are  frequent  ;  also 
minks, >and  muskrais  in  the  marshes ;  partridges  aie  yet  nu- 


PENNSYLVANIA.  169 

onerous,  though  the  hard  winters  have  destroyed  many,and 
■wild  turkeys,  in  the  new  settlements  ;  pheasants  and  grous 
have  become  scarce  ;  pigeons,  ducks,  and  wild  geese,  and  a 
variety  of  singing  birds  are  found  in  their  proper  seasons. 

Manufactures.  The  manufactures  of  this  state  are  of  nu- 
merous kinds.  Iron  works  are  of  long  standing,  and  their 
products  increase  in  quantity,  and  improve  in  quality. 
The  furnaces,  forges,  rolling  and  slitting  mills,  for  the  man- 
ufacture of  iron,  are  many  and  productive.  The  other  ex- 
tensive manufactures  are  as  follows,  viz,  those  of  leather, 
skins  and  fur,  wood,  paper,  gunpowder,  bricks,  earthern 
ware,  copper,  lead,  tin  wares,  pewter,  cotton,  sugar,  to- 
bacco, and  many  others  of  less  importance. 

Commerce.  The  commerce  of  Pennsylvania  extends  to 
every  part  of  the  world,  and  the  exports  consist  of  the  pre- 
ceding articles  of  produce  and  manufacture. 

Education  and  Literature.  A  seminary  is  established  at 
Philadelphia,  by  the  name  of  The  University  o{  Pennsyl- 
vania ;  there  is  a  flourishing  colJege  at  Carlisle,  called 
Dickinson  College  ;  and  another  at  Lancaster,  called 
Franklin  College,  which  is  little  more  than  nominal.  At 
Washington,  in  the  western  part  ot  the  state,  a  college  has 
also  been  established,  and  endowed  with  several  thousand 
acres  of  land. 

The  schools  for  young  men  and  women,  in  Bethlehem 
and  Nazareth,  under  the  Moravians,  are  perhaps  upon  the 
best  establishment  of  any  in  America. 

There  are  many  private  schools,  in  different  parts  of  the 
state  ;  and  to  promote  the  education  of  poor  children, 
the  legislature  has  appropriated  a  large  tract  of  land  for 
the  establishment  of  free  schools. 

Literary,  Humane,  and  ether  useful  Societies.  These  are 
more  numerous  and  flourishing  in  Pennsylvania,  than  in 
any  other  of  the  stales.  The  names  of  these  improving 
institutions  are  as  follows  :  the  American  Philosophical 
Society,  held  at  Philadelphia  for  promoting  useful  knowl- 
edge ;  the  Society  for  promoting  Political  Inquiries  ;  the 
College  of  Physician?,  for  the  promotion  of  medical,  ana- 
tomical, and  chymical  knowledge ;  the  Pennsylvania 
Hospital  ;  the  Philadelphia  Dispensary,  for  the  medical 
relief  of  the  poor;  the  Pennsylvania  Society  for  promot- 
ing the  abolition  of  slavery,  and  the  relief  of  free  neguxs, 


170  PENNSYLVANIA. 

.unlawfully  held  in  bondage  ;  tjie  Society  of  the  Unl-ted 
Brethren,  for  propagating  the  gospel  among  the  heathens, 
to  be  held  statedly  at  Bethlehem  ;  the  Pennsylvanian  So- 
ciety for  the  encouragement  of  manufactures  and  useful 
arts  ;  a  Society  for  alleviating  the  miseries  of  prisons  ;  a 
Humane  Society,  for  the  recovering  and  restoring  to  life 
the  bodies  of  drowned  persons ;  a  Society  for  the  aid  and 
protection  of  Irish  emigrants  ;  an  Agricultural  Society ; 
a  Society  for  the  aid  of  German  emigrants  ;  a  Marine  So- 
ciety ;  a  Charitable  Society,  for  the  support  of  widows  and 
families  of  Presbyterian  Clergymen  ;  a  Society  for  the  in- 
formation and  aid  of  emigrants  ;  St.  George's,  St.  An- 
drew's, and  the  Hibernian  Charitable  Societies.  Most  of 
these  societies  are  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Cities  and  Towns.  The  city  of  Philadelphia,  capital 
of  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  and,  until  the  year  1801,  the 
seat  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  lies  in  latitude 
39°  56'  north,  upon  the  vi'estern  bank  of  the  Delaware, 
which  is  here  but  a  mile  in  breadth.  It  was  laid  out  by 
William  Penn,  the  first  proprietary  and  founder  of  the 
province,  in  \6SZ,  and  settled  by  a  colony  from  England. 
The  ground  plot  of  the  city  is  an  oblong  square,  about  1 
mile  north  and  south,  and  2  miles  east  and  west,  lying 
in  the  narrowest  part  of  the  isthmus  between  the  Delaware 
and  Schuylkill  rivers,  about  five  miles  in  a  right  line  above 
their  confluence.  The  number  of  inhabitaBts  within  the 
city  and  suburbs,  (including  the  district  of  Southwark,  an4 
the  compactly  built  part  of  the  Northern  Liberties,  which, 
to  every  purpose,  but  as  to  their  government,  are  consid- 
ered as  parts  of  the  city,)  amounted,  in  1800,  to  67»811, 
in  1810,  to  about  92,^47.  It  is  governed  by  a  mayor, 
jecorder,  15  aldermen,  and  30  common  council  men  ; 
w^ho  have  full  power  to  constitute  and  ordain  laws  for 
the  government  of  the  city.  The  houses  for  public  wor- 
ship are  as  follows  :  for  Friends  or  Quakers,  five  ;  for 
Presbyterians  and  Seceders,  eight;  for  Episcopalians,  three; 
for  German  Lutherans,  two  ;  for  German  Calvinisis, 
one  ;  for  Roman  Catholics,  one ;  for  Swedish  Lutherans, 
one  ;  for  Moravians,  one  ;  for  Baptists,  one  ;  for  Uni- 
versal Baptists,  one  ;  for  Methodists,  one;  and  one  for 
Jews.  The  other  public  buildings  in  the  city  are,  a  state 
house,  and  offices :  two  city  court  houses ;  a  county  cour^ 


PtNNSYL^'ANIA.  Ill 

liouse  ;  a  carpenter's  hall  ;  a  philosophical  socloLy's  hall ; 
a  dispensary;  a  hospital,  and  cflicos  ;  an  alms-house; 
two  incorporated  banks  ;  a  house  of  correction  ;  a  dra- 
matic theatre  ;  a  public  ohservatory  ;  a  medical  theatre 
and  elaboratory  ;  three  brick  market  houses  ;  a  fish  mar- 
ket ;  a  public  gaol.  Wnether  we  consider  the  locil  sit- 
Kation,  the  size,  the  beauty,  the  variety  and  utility  of  the 
improvements  in  mechinics  and  manufactures,  or  llie  in- 
dustry, the  enterprize,  the  humanity,  and  the  abilities  of 
the  iiihabltarits  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  it  merits  to  be 
ranked  among  the  first  cities  of  the  United  States. 

Lancaster,  is  the  largest  inland  town  in  the  United 
States.  It  is  the  seat  of  justice  for  Lancaster  county,  and 
icands  on  Conostoga  creek,  58  miles  northwest  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

Carlisle,  the  seat  of  justice  in  Cumberland  county, 
contained  in  180'J,  '2000  inhabitants.  Here  is  Dickinson 
College. 

Pittsburg,  on  the  wester;;  side  of  the  Allegany  moun- 
tains, SiO  miles  westward  of  Piiiladelphia,  is  beautifully 
situated  on  a  large  plain,  which  is  the  point  of  land  be- 
tween the  Allegany  and  Monongahela  rivers,  and  a  quar- 
ter of  a  mile  above  their  confluence,  in  latitude  4?0'^  2^' 
north.      la  1800,  it  had  15(55  inhabitants. 

Bethlehem  is  on  the  Lehigh,  a  western  branch  of  the 
Delaware,  fifty-three  miles  north  of  Piiiladelphia,  inhabited 
chiefly  by  Moravians.  The  town  being  in  a  very  pleasant 
and  healthy  situttion,  is  frequently  visited  in  the  summer, 
by  parties  of  pleasure,  from  different  parts. 

Harrisburg,  is  a  very  flourishing  place,  about  100 
mile.s  west  by  north  from  Philadelphia. 

CurlasU'ics  and  ylnttq-ailies.  In  the  northern  part  of  the 
state  is  a  small  creek,  emptying  into  Allegany  river,  call- 
ed-Oil  Creek.  It  issues  from  a  spring,  on  the  top  of 
which  floats  an  oil,  similar  to  that  called  Barbadoes  tar, 
from  which  one  man  may  gather  several  gallons  in  a  day. 

There  are  several  curious  caves  in  this  state  ;  the  most 
remarkable  of  which  is  on  the  bank  oi  Swetara  river. 

On  a  high  hill,  near  Tioga  river,  are  to  be  seen  the 
remains  of  an  ancient  fortification.  The  form  of  it  is  cir. 
cular,  and  it  is  encompassed  with  an  entrenchment,  which 
i|now  the  only  remaining  part.     The  Indians  aie  entirely 


^•"ff 


172 


OHIO. 


ignorant  of  the  origin  of  these  works  There  is  a  fortifi* 
cation  of  a  similar  kind,  at  Unadilla,  in  the  flat  lands,  and 
they  are  numerous  in  the  western  counties. 

The  stones,  in  all  parts  of  the  Allegany  mountains,  are 
full  of  sea  shells. 


OHIO. 


situation,  BounJarit's,  and  Extent.  THIS  state  is  part  of 
the  territory,  formerly  called  The  Norlhivest  Territory,  and 
lies  between  38*^  IC  and  42'  north  latitude,  and  between 
bO"  SQf  and  G5^  4J'  west  longitude.  Ij  is  west  of  Penn- 
sylvania, and  is  bounded  south  by  Ohio  river,  west  by  In- 
diana Territory  ;  north  by  Michigan  Territory,  and  lake 
Erie.  It  is  200  miles  long,  and  about  the  same  in  breadth  %, 
containing,  exclusive  of  the  waters  of  lakes  Erie  and  San- 
dusky, 25,013,637  acres. 

Divisions  and  Population.  This  state  was  admitted  into 
the  Union,  by  act  of  Congress,  in  1803.  It  is  divided  in- 
to 3G  counties  and  320  towiiships  : 


twUUIitiCS. 

Adams 

Athens 

Belmont 

Butler 

Cayahoga 

Champaign 

Clermont 

Ciinton 

Columbians 

Delaware 

Fairfield 

Fayette 

Franklin 

Gallia 

Geauga 

Guernsey 

Green 

Hainilton 

H-^hland 


Population. 
9,434 
2,791 

11,097 

1  1,150 
1,459 
6,303 
9,9G5 
'J,«74 

10,873 
2,000 

11,S61 
1,854 
3,486 
4,181 
2,917 
8,051 
5,870 

15,258 
5,766 


Counties. 
JefTersoii 
Knox 
Licking 
Madison 
Miami 

Montgomery 
Muskingum 
Pickaway 
Portage 
Preble 

P.03S 

Scioto 
Stark 
Trumbull 
Tuscarawa 
(  Warren 
Washington 

Total 


Population. 

17,260 
2,149 
S,85^ 
1,603 
S,94l 
7,722 

J  0.036- 
7,124 
2,99,5 
3,304 

i5,5i4 
3,399 
2,734 
8,671 
S,045 
9,925 
5,991 


230,760 


For  judicial  purposes  the  state  is  divided  into  tii^ee 
circuits. 

Face  of  the  Country.  A  few  miles  back  from  the  Ohio, 
in  the  upper  or  northern  parts  of  the  state,  the  land  is  hil- 


OHIO.  173 

Ij  and,  in  some  places,  too  rough  to  admit  of  cultivation. 
In  some  parts  of  the  country  dividing  the  waters  of  the 
Ohio  from  the  lakes,  there  are  tracts,  extending  several 
miles,  so  flat  that  the  water  stands  till  midsummer.  In 
some  places  one  can  travel  for  miles  without  seeing  the 
earth,  and  in  that  distance,  he  will  find  the  water  not  more 
than  from  a  foot  to  eighteen  inches  deep. 

Riven.  The  Ohio,  which  has  already  been  described, 
nearly  half  surrounds  the  state. 

The  Muskingum  is  a  gentle  river,  150  yards  wide  at  Its 
mouth,  and  navigable  by  large  batteaux  and  barges,  to  the 
Three  Legs  ;  a'nd  by  small  ones,  to  the  lake  at  its  head. 

The  Hockhocking  is  about  twelve  rods  wide  ;  navigable 
for  large  boats  70  miles,  and  for  small  ones  much  farther. 
The  Scioto  is  passable  for  large  barges  for  200  miles,  witli 
a  portage  of  only  four  miles  to  the  tjandusky,  a  navigable 
stream  that  falls  into  lake  Erie.  The  stream  of  Scioto 
is  no  where  broken  by  falls  :  at  some  places,  in  the  spring 
of  the  year  it  overflows  its  banks. 

The  Little  Miami  is  too  small  for  batteau  navigation. 
The  Great  Miami  has  a  very  stony  channel,  and  a  swift 
stream,  but  no  falls,  and  is  navigable  for  batteaux,  for  a- 
bout  100  miles  ;  ii  interlocks  with  the  Scioto. 

Grand  river  runs  northwardly  into  lake  Erie  ;  its  mouth 
is  seventy  yards  wide. 

Cayahoga  empties  in  at  the  south  bank  of  lake  Erie,  40 
miles  east  of  the  mouth  of  Huron. 

Sandusky  river  rises  near  a  branch  of  the  great  Miami, 
and  empties  into  the  southwest  corner  of  Sandusky  Lake. 
Miami  of  the  lakes  falls  into  lake  Erie,  at  the  S.W.  corner. 

Soil,  Productions^  and  Commerce  Laige  level  bottoms,  or 
natural  meadows,  from  1  0  to  25  miles  in  circuit,  are  found 
bordering  ilie  rivers  and  variegating  the  country  in  the 
interior  parts  These  afford  as  ricii  a  scii  as  can  be  im- 
agined, and  may  be  reduced  to  proper  culiivation  with, 
very  little  labor. 

The  country  produces  all  the  immediate  necessaries  of 
life  in  gre<t  plenty,  and  far  beyond  the  present  consump- 
tion of  the  inhabitants;  ihe  lesidue,  with  many  other  arti- 
cles, such  as  hemp,  cordage,  hard  waie,  whiskey,  apples, 
cider,  and  salted  provisions,  are  carried  d<;wn  the  river  to 
New-Orleans,  where  ihev  jind  a  ready  maiket, 
F2 


174  OHIO. 

The  forest  trees  ai-e,  maple  or  sugar  tree,  syc«mor£> 
fclack,  and  white  mulberry,  black  and  white  walnut,  but- 
ternut, white,  black,  Spanish  and  chesnut  oaks,  hickory, 
cherry,  buckwood  or  horse  chesnut,  honey  locust,  elm,  cu- 
cumber tree,lynn  tree,  gum  tree,iron  wood,  ash,  aspen,  sas- 
safras, crab  apple  tree,  paupaw  or  custard  apple,  a  variety 
of  plum  trees,  and  many  kinds  of  grapes,  from  which  the 
inhabitants  universally  might  have  a  sufficiency  for  their 
own  consumption  of  rich  reid^ine.  Grapes  and  hops  are 
ihe  natural  productions  of  the  country. 

Mines.  On  the  banks  of  the  Hockhocking  and  Musking- 
am  are  inexhaustible  quarries  of  free  stone,  and  beds  of 
Iron  ore.  Coal  mines  are  frequent  In  the  eastern  part  of 
the  state.  Beds  of  white  and  blue  clay,  are  likewise  found 
here,  suitable  for  the  manufacture  of  glass,  cf  ockery,  and 
earthern  wares. 

Springs.  There  are  salt  springs  in  many  parts  of  the 
state,  particularly  on  the  Scioto  river. 

Animals,  Innumerable  herds  of  deer  and  wild  cattle 
heretofore  were  sheltered  in  the  groves  and  fed  in  the  ex- 
tensive bottoms  that  abound  in  this  state,  but  are  now  be- 
coming scarce.  Turkeys,  geese,  ducks,  and  other  wild 
fowl  are  supposed  to  be  in  greater  plenty  here,  than  the 
tame  poultry  in  any  other  part  of  America.  The  rivers 
are  well  stored  with  fish. 

Literature.  The  Ohio  University  is  fixed  at  Athens,  on 
the  Hockhocking  river,  and  endowed  with  46,000  acres 
of  land."  The  corporation  consists  of  the  governor  of  the 
state,  for  the  time  being,  the  president,  and  not  more  than 
fifteen,  nor  less  than  ten,  trustees.  In  Feb.  1809,  the 
legislature  of  this  state,  passed  an  act  establishing  the 
Miami  University^  which  has  since  been  fixed  in  the  town 
of  Oxford,  34  miles  N.  W.  of  Cincinnati,  Congress,  about 
the  year  1 790,  reserved  a  township  of  23,000  acres  of  land 
in  the  county  of  Butler,  for  the  purpose  of  supporting  a 
University.  This  township  has  lately  been  located. 
The  officers  of  this  institution  are  to  be  a  president  and  a 
board  of  trustees,  fo  consist  of  twenty  two  members,  who 
are  created  a  body  politic.  This  institution  is  about  to 
he  organized,  and  to  commence  its  operations. 

Chie/Toivns.  Marietta,  thechief  town  in  Wuh  ngton 
ccunty,  is  a  handson^e  town,  standing  on  the  w^est  side  of 


OHIO.  175 

Ohio  river,  jast  above  the  mouth  of  the  Muskingum.  It  is 
elegantly  and  commodiously  laid  out  with  spacious  street* 
intersecting  each  other  at  right  angles.  It  contains  up- 
wards  of  ninety  dwelling  houses,  besides  shops,  stores,  &c. 
a  gaol,  court  house,  an  elegant  congregational  church, 
and  academy.  Within  the  limits  of  this  town  are  those 
ancient  and  curious  forts  hereafter  described. 

CHrLicoTHE,  the  chief  town  of  Ross  county,  and  tlie 
seat  of  governmeni  in  the  state,  is  on  the  west  side  of  Scio- 
to river,  about  100  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  a  few  miles 
above  its  junction  with  Paint  creek.  The  town  is  laid 
out  on  an  extensive  plain,  and  contains  about  150  dwell- 
ing houses,  a  gaol,  state  house,  3  houses  for  public  wor- 
ship. In  the  midst  of  the  town,  there  is  an  Indian  grave, 
the  perpendicular  height  of  which  is  forty  or  fifty  feet. 

Cincinnati,  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Ohio,  opposite 
the  mouth  of  Licking  river,  contains  about  300  houses, 
two  houses  for  pubUc  worship,  two  banks,  and  a  maiket 
house  In  this  town  was  Fort  Washington,  which  com- 
menced the  chain  of  forts,  extending  to  the  westward. 

Galliopolis  is  situated  nearly  opposite  the  mouth  of 
the  Great  Kanhaway,  and  has  about  100  houses  ;  the 
original  inhabitants  were  French  people. 

Antiquities  and  Curiosities.  The  number  of  oid  forts, 
found  in  this  western  country,  are  the  admiration  of  the 
curious,  and  a  matter  of  much  speculation.  They  are 
mostly  of  an  oblong  form,  situated  on  strong,  well  chosen 
ground,  and  contiguous  to  water.  When,  by  whom,  and 
for  what  purpose,  tliese  were  thrown  up,  is  uncertain. 
They  are  undoubtedly  very  ancient,  as  there  is  not  the 
least  visible  difference  in  the  age  or  size  of  the  timber 
growing  on  or  within  these  forts,  and  that  which  grows 
without  ;  and  the  oldest  natives  have  Josc  all  tradition  re- 
specting them. 

Under  this  head  we  may  mention  the  extensive  mead- 
ows, or,  as  the  French  call  them,  Prairies^  which  answer  to 
what  in  the  southern  states  are  called  Savannas.  They 
are  a  rich  plain,  without  trees,  and  are  covered  with  grass. 
Some  ol  these,  in  the  western  parts  of  this  state,  and  in  the 
Indiana  and  Illinois  territories,  are  30  or  40  miles  in  ex- 
tent. In  passing  them,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  there 
is  not  a  tree  to  be  stei;. 


J76  MICHIGAN  TERRITORY. 


MICHIGAN  TERRITORY. 

THfS  territory  is  bounded  S.  by  the  state  of  Ohio  and 
the  Indiana  territory  ;  W,  by  the  Illinois  territory  ;  N.  and 
E.  by  Upper  Canada,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  a 
small  part  of  lake  Superior,  St.  Mary's  river,  Huron  lake 
and  river,  lake  Sc.  Clair,  and  Detroit  river.  The  greatest 
length  from  S.  E.  to  N.  W.  is  500  miles  ^  from  N.  E.  to 
S  W.  it  is  300.  The  nurnber  of  square  miles,  both  of 
land  and  water,  is  estimated  at  1.50,000. 

The  territory  is  at  present  divided  into  four  districts. 
In  the  south  is  that  of  Erie  ;  next  lies  the  district  of  De- 
troit ;  next  that  of  Huron  ;  and  in  the  north,  the  district 
of  Michilimakinac. 

In  1667  Lewis  XIV.  sent  a  party  of  soldiers  to  this  ter- 
ritory to  protect  the  French  fur  traders.  The  soldiers, 
between  that  time  and  ^  683,  built  a  fort  at  Detroit,  and 
another  at  Michilimakinac,  and  soon  extended  theii  com- 
merce west  of  lake  Michigan  to  the  Indians  on  the  Missi- 
sippi.  The  war  in  1756  dispossessed  the  French  of  this 
territory.  It  remained  in  the  hands  of  the  British,  till  the 
peace  of  1783  gave  it  to  the  United  States,  and  a  governor 
was  appointed  in  July,  1787,  for  all  the  territory  N.  W. 
of  the  Ohio.  In  1 796  the  fort  of  Detroit  was  ceded  by  the 
English  to  the  United  States,  agreeably  to  treaty  ;  and 
this  fine  peninbula  was  formed  into  a  county,  called  the 
county  of  Wayne.  In  1805,  it  received  the  name  of  the 
Michigan  territory,  was  formed  into  a  distinct  government, 
and  a  governor  appointed  over  it.  The  country  is  im- 
proving, and  when  the  lands  are  put  on  sale,  it  is  thought 
the  population  will  rapidly  increase. 

The  greater  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  country  are 
Catholics.  The  Protestants  have  no  settled  minister.  The 
missionaries  of  the  Methodists  have  made  many  converts 
among  the  lower  orders  of  people. 

According  to  the  census  of  1-810,  the  population  was  as 
follows. 

Erie  district         1,340         Huron  do.  580 

Detroit  do.  2,227         MichiUmakinac  do.*- 615 

Total  4,762 


MICHIGAN  TERRITORY.  177 

Detroit  stands  on  Detroit  river,  18  miles  N.  of  lake 
Erie,  and  10  S.  of  lake  St.  Clair.  The  o1|l  town  was 
vrholly  destroyed  by  fire  in  1805.  The  new  town  is  well 
laid  oat ;  the  streets  cross  each  other  at  right  angles,  and 
the  situation  is  pleasant.  It  contained  in  1810,  including 
tlie  garrison,  770  inhabitants,  and  80  dwelling  houses. 
The  fort  is  of  an  oblong  figure,  built  with  stockades,  and 
completely  cnnimands  the  garrison. 

Detroit  and  Michilimakinac  are  both  ports  of  entry  in 
this  territory.  The  exports  from  the  former,  in  1810,  a- 
mounted  to  3C15  dolls,  of  which  only  44-  dolls,  were  ef 
foreign  produce.  No  returns  were  received  from  the  port 
of  Michilimakinac.  The  state  of  Ohio  furnishes  this  coun- 
try, with  beef,  pork,  whiskey,  cheese,  and  butter. 

The  climate  is  cold  and  healthy.  Winter  sets  in  about 
tlie  middle  of  November,  and  lasts  till  the  middle  of  March, 
without  much  variation.  The  general  face  of  the  country 
is  i\.ii.  Nothing  like  a  mountain  is  known.  It  is  estimat- 
ed that  upwards  of  20,000,000  acres  of  this  teiritory  are 
excellent.  The  agricultural  productions,  in  1810,  were 
20,000  bushels  of  apples,  10.000  of  maize,  12,000  ot  wheat, 
8000  of  oats,  100  of  barley,  1308  of  buckwheat,  12;5-tO 
of  potatoes,  3021  of  turnips,  1000  of  peas,  and  1500  bar- 
rels of  cider. 

St.  Mary's  river,  Huron  or  St.  Clair  river,  and  Detroit 
river,  flow  on  the  northern  and  eastern  !)orders  of  the  ter- 
ritory. Detroit  river  is  28  miles  long,  and  runs  in  a  S.  W. 
direction  12  miles,  and  thence  due  S.  15  lo  lake  Erie  It 
is  navigable  for  the  largest  ships,  and  is  generally  from  a 
mile  to  a  mile  and  r.  half,  and  in  some  places  thiee  miles,, 
broad  Huron  river,  in  the  country  west  of  lake  St.  Clair, 
and  running  eastwai  dly  60  or  70  miles,  tails  into  that  lake, 
30  miles  N.  from  Detroit. 

More  than  half  of  lake  Michigan,  half  of  Huron  and 
St.  Clair,  a  part  of  Superior,  and  probably  apart  of  Erie, 
belong  to  this  territory. 

Islands.  The  island  Michilimakinac  lies  between  Michi- 
gan and  Huron,  and  is  7  miles  in  circumference.  The 
The  ground  on  which  the  fort  stands  is  150  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  lake,  and  100  yard>  finm  the  shore.  The  fort 
is  neatly  built,  and  exhibits  a  b.Miitiful  appearance  from 
the  water.     The  village  is  on  the  shore  at  the  right  of  ihe 


178  INDIANA  TERRITORY. 

fort,  and. consists  of  about  30  houses.  The  harbor  is  deep 
and  safe.  jUn  the  N.  E  side  of  the  island,  near  the  shore, 
and  80  feet  above  ihe  lake,  is  an  arched  rock.  The  arch 
is  20  feet  in  diameter,  at  the  top  and  30  at  the  base,  Near 
the  centre  of  ihe  island  on  a  plain  stands  an  isolated  conical 
rock,  in  rhe  form  of  a  sugar  loaf,  50  feet  in  height.  It  is 
perforated  in  various  places,  and  the  h^les  are  filled  with 
human  bones.  The  Skull-rock  in  another  part  of  the 
island  exhibits  the  same  appearances.  I  he  island  is  one 
mass  of  limestone,  and  the  soil  is  very  rich.  The  climate 
is  cold  but  healthy.  The  winter  lasts  for  5  months  with 
Xinabated  rigor.  This  island  is  still  a  place  of  rendezvous 
for  the  N.  W.  traders,  their  clerks  and  servants.  They 
generally  assemble  here  in  June  and  July,  often  to  the 
number  of  800.  There  are  numerous  other  islands  In  the 
lakes  and  rivers. 


INDIANA  TERRITORY. 

THIS  territory  lies  between  lat.*37  4.)  and  41  50  N. 
and  between  82  42' and  S~j  45  W.  longitude.  Its  length 
is  about  270  miles,  and  its  breadth  about  130.  The 
number  of  square  miles  is  not  far  from  '65.000.  It 
is  bounded  E.  by  the  state  of  Ohio  ;  S.  by  the  Ohio  river  ; 
W.  by  the  Illinois  territory  ;  N.  by  Michigan  territory. 

This  territory  isdivided  into  4  counties  and  2?  townships. 
Counties.  No.  of  towns,  No;  of  iiih.  '  Chief  Towns. 

Dearborn  9  7,^'0 

Clark  G  5,670  Ciarkesville 

Harrison  3  3,595  Harrison 

Knox  9  7,9i-5  St.  Vincennes 


Total     27  24,520 

This  territory,  till  January,  1801,  formed  a  part  of 
what  was  called  the  Northwestern  territory.  At  this  pe- 
riod, it  was  erected  by  Congress  into  a  territorial  govern- 
ment with  usual  powers  and  privileges. 

This  territory  has  a  fine  soil,  adapted  to  corn,  wheat, 
rye,  oats,  cotton,  hemp,  tobacco,  and  other  articles  men- 
tioned in.  the  account  of  the  state  of  Ohio,     Its  natura?. 


ILLINOIS  TERRITORY.  179 

productions  are  also  similar  to  those  of  Ohio.  If  Is  water- 
ed by  several  fine  rivers.  The  Wabash  emp^fes  into  the 
Ohio,  by  a  mouth  270  yards  wide,  1020  miles  below  Fort 
Pitt.  It  is  passable  with  batteaux  412  miles  to  Ouiatanon, 
and  for  large  canoes  197  miles  further. 

ViNCENNES  is  the  capital. of  this  territory,  the  seat  of 
government,  and  the  centre  of  commerce  ;  it  stands  on 
the  bank  of  the  Wabash,  150  miles  from  its  mouth.  It 
had  in  J  8 1 0,  893  inhabitants.  The  fort  stands  on  the  east 
side  of  Wabash  river. 


ILLINOIS  TERRITORY. 

THIS  territory  is  the  western  half  of  what  was  former- 
ly called  the  territory  N.  W.  of  the  Ohio,  and  embraces 
the  whole  of  it,  except  what  is  included  in  the  state  of 
Ohi©,  and  the  territories  of  Michigan  and  Indiana.  It 
lies  between  lat.  37°  and  49  37  N,  and  between  long.  8.5 
45  and  95  6  W.  Its  length  from  the  Ohio  to  the  northern 
line  is  870  miles ;  its  breadth  is  very  unequal.  The 
whole  tract  contains  about  200,000  square  miles,  exclusive 
of  the  waters  of  lakes  Superior  and  Michigan,  large  sec- 
tions of  which  are  included  in  this  territory.  It  is  bound- 
ed by  Upper  Canada  on  the  N. ;  on  the  E.  it  has  lake 
Michigan,  and  the  Indiana  territory  ;  on  the  S.  Ohio  riv- 
er ;  on  the  S.  W.  and  W.  the  Missisippi,  which  separates 
jt  from  Louisiana.  This  territory  derives  it  name  from 
the  river  Illinois.,  an  Indian  word,  signifying  a  man  of  full 
a^e,  in  iht  vigor  of  his  years.  Illinois  river  is  the  river  of  men. 
It  was  a  part  of  the  Indiana  territory  till  1809,  when  it 
was  erected  into  a  separate  government. 

That  part  of  this  territory  which  is  settled  by  white 
people,  is  divided  into  two  counties,  viz.  St  Clair  and 
Randolph,  which  are  subdivided  into  12  townships.  The 
civilized  population  of  this  territory  in  1810  was  11,501 
whites,  1 8G  slaves,  and  613  free  blacks.  Of  the  whites 
6871  were  males,  and  5121  females.  The  vale  between 
the  Illinois  and  Kas.kaskia  rivers,  is  inhabited  by  French 
people,  the  descendants  of  the  original  settlers  of  this 
country. 


18D  MARYLAND. 

Kaskaskia  is  the  chief  town  in  Randolph  county  and 
the  established  capital  of  the  whole  territory.  It  stands 
on  the  southwest  bank  of  the  river,  of  the  same  name, 
12  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  river.  It  contains  about 
100  houses,  and  622  inhabitants.  Cahokia,  65  miles  north 
of  Kaskaskia,  on  the  southern  side  of  Cahokia  creek,  has 
71 1  inhabitants  Goshen,  the  capital  of  St.  Clair  county, 
has  1725  inhabitants. 

Fort  Massac  is  a  port  of  entry,  and  from  it  was  export- 
ed foreign  articles  in  the  4th  quarter  of  1803,  to  the  value 
of  17,320  dollars. 

Between  the  Kaskaskia  and  Illinois  rivers,  which  are  84< 
miles  apart,  is  an  extensive  tract  of  level  rich  land,  which 
terminates  in  a  high  ridge,  about  15  miles  before  you 
reach  the  lilinoirriver.  The  Illinois  river  is  bordered  by 
fine  meadows  which  in  some  places  extend  as  far  as  the 
eye  can  reach  ;  and  the  soil  of  the  country  generally  is  of 
a  very  superior  quality. 

The  principal  rivers  which  water  this  territory  are 
Missisippi,  Illinois,  Wabash,  Fox,  Ouisconsin,  Iron, 
Chepeway.  St.  Croix,  St.  Lewis,  Winnipec,  Dove,  Michili- 
makinac,  Ramy  Island,  Vermillion,  and  Kaskaskia.  The 
lakes  which  lie  either  partly  or  entirely  in  the  territory, 
are  Michigan,  Superior,  Rainy,  Woods,  White  Bear,  Red, 
Pepin,  Peche,  Winnebago,  and  Illinois. 


MARYLAND. 


Situation  and  Extent.  THE  state  of  Maryland,  lies  be- 
tween 37"  56'  and  39^  44'  north  latitude,  and  between  the 
nr)eridi;in  of  Philadelphia,  and  4^*  SO' west  longitude.  It  is 
134  miles  ionjj:  and  110  broad,  containing  14,000  square 
miles   one  ioiuth  of  which  is  water. 

Boundaries.  Maryland  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Penn- 
sylvania, east  by  the  state  of  Delaware,  and  the  Atlantic 
ocean  ;  soulh  and  west  by  Virginia. 

Divisions  and  Population.  This  state  is  divided  into  nine- 
teen counties  eleven  of  which  are  on  the  western,  and 
eight  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  Chesapeak  bay. 


MARYLAND. 


181 


Couuiies. 

Population. 

'Hartford 

21,258 

Baltimore 

75,810 

Ann- Arundel 

26,668 

Frederick 

34,437 

Allegany 

6,909 

Washington 

18,730 

Montgomery 

17,980 

Prince  George 

20,589 

Calvert 

8,005 

1  Charles 

20,'245 

l_St.  Mary's 

12,7&4 

Counties. 

Population 

^Cecil 

13,066 

Kent 

11,450 

6 

Queen  Ann 

16,648 

h 

Caroline 

'     9,45:? 

Talbot 

14,2:}0 

a 

u 

Somerset 

17,195 

CI 

Dorchester 

18,108 

1 

Worcester 

16,971 

Total 


380,546 


The  whole  number  of  inhabitants  in  Maryland  in  1800 
was  341,54-8,  of  whom  105,635  were  slaves  ;  increase  in 
10  years  38,998. 

Bays  and  Rivers.  Chesapeak  Bay  divides  this  state  in- 
to eastern  and  western  divisions.  This  bay,  which  is  the 
larejest  in  the  United  States,  affords  many  good  fisheries, 
and  is  remarkable  for  the  excellency  of  its  crabs,and  also  for 
a  particular  species  of  wild  duck,  called  canvas  hack.  In  a 
commercial  view,  it  is  of  immense  advantage  to  the  state. 
It  receives  a  number  of  large  rivers.  From  the  eastern 
shore  in  Maryland,  among  other  smaller  cncs  it  receives 
Pokomoke,  Nanticoke,  Choptank,  Chester,  and  Elk  rivers. 
From  the  north,  the  rapid  Susquehanna  ;  and  from  th.e 
west,  Pacapsco,  Severn,  P.ifixent,  and  Potomac,  half  of 
which  is  in  M/l-yland,  and  half  in  Virginia.  Except  the 
Susquehanna  and  Potomac,  these  are  small  rivers  Pa- 
tapsco  river  is  but  about  30  or  40  yards  w:de  at  the  ferry, 
just  before  it  empties  into  the  b  ison  upim  vv'hich  Baltimore 
stands.  The  Monocasy  is  a  gencle  siveam,  which  enters 
t/ie  Potom:ic,  fourteen  miles  from  Fredericktcnvn.  In  gen- 
eral it  is  fordable.  Severn  is  a  short,  iticonslderable  riv- 
<-r,  passing?  by  Annapolis,  which  it  leaves  to  t!ie  south, 
emptying,  by  a  broad  mouth,  into  tlie  Chesapeak. 

Patuxent  rises  in  Ann-Arundel  county,  and  runs  into 
the  bay,  twenty  miles  north  of  tlie  mnnih  of  the  Potomac. 
Tk.ere  are  several  small  rivers,  su-h  as  ilie  Wicomico, 
Eastern  Bianch,  and  Conegochoajtue,  ' 
Potomac  r'vcr  fmni  the  Maryland  side 

Fac''  ^'f  th.-  Country i  Soil,  and Produci'tnns.  East  f.f  the  blue 
ridge  of  mcur.tains,  which  stretches  across  the  western  part 
of  this  state,  the  land,  like  that  in  al!  the  sc.uthern  states, 
is  generally  level  and  free  of  stones ;  the  soil  must  of  course 

Q 


liich  empties  into 


182  MARYLAND. 

be  similar,  and  the  natural  productions  not  rennarkably 
different. 

The  ground,  in  most  of  the  counties  on  the  eastern  shore, 
is  covered,  in  many  places,  with  stagnant  water,  except 
where  it  is  intersected  by  numerous  creelcs.  Here  also  are 
large  tracts  of  marsh,  which,  during  the  day,  load  the  at- 
mosphere with  vapor,  that  falls  in  dew',  in  the  close  of  the 
summer  and  fall  seasons,  which  are  sickly. 

Wheat  and  tobacco  are  the  most  important  productions 
of  the  state.  Cotton,  hemp,  and  fl.ix  are  also  raised,  but 
"not  in  large  quantities.  Apples  and  peaches  are  among 
the  cultivated  fruits  ;  from  both  of  these  brandy  is  distill- 
ed. Among  the  trees  of  the  forest  are  several  kinds  of 
oak  and  black  walnut.  The  woods  abound  with  nuts  of 
varicus  sorts,  on  wliich  vast  numbers  of  swine  are  fatted. 

Mines  and  Maiiufactures.  Mines  of  iron  ore,  of  a  superi- 
or quality,  abound  in  many  parts  of  the  state.  Two  stra- 
ta, or  beds  of  coal,  have  lately  been  opened,  within  a  mile 
of  the  city  of  Baltimore. 

Rye  whiskey  is  manufactured  in  great  quantities  in  this 
btate.  From  some  single  distilleries,  12,000  gallons  are 
produced  in  a  year.  In  Frederick  county  are  80  grist- 
inills  employed  in  grinding  wheat.  There  are  also  glass 
v.'orks,  iron  v,-crks,  furnaces,  distilleries,  and  paper  mills. 

Commerce.  The  trade  of  Maryland  is  principally  carried 
K)i\  from  Baltimore,  with  the  other  states,  with  the  West- 
indies,  and  with  some  parts  of  Europe.  To  these  places, 
ibey  send  annually  about  30,000  hogsheads  of  tobacco,  be- 
sides larqe  quantities  of  wheat,  flour,  pig-iron,  lumber,  and 
corn  ;  beans,  pork,  and  flax-seed,  in  smaller  quantities. 

They  receive  in  return  clothing  for  themselves  and  ne- 
trroe.-,  and  other  dry  goods,  v.'ine.s,  spirits,  sugar  and  other 
West- India  commodities.  The  balance  is  generally  in 
their  favor. 

Eiluicit'ion  and  L'l.crnlure.  I'hcre  are  five  colleges  in  Ma- 
lyland.  Washington  college,  at  Chestertown,  and  St. 
.lohu's  college,  at  Armapolis,  together  constitute  the  Uni- 
versilv  of  Maryland.  The  Methodisti  have  a  college  at 
ilarford.  The  Roman  Catholics  have  a  college  at  George- 
town, for  the  promotion  of  general  literature,  'i'here  is  z 
French  college  at  Baltimore,  with  about  seventy  students. 
There  are  some  other  literary  institutions  of  less  note.  Ev» 


COLUMBIA.  1S.1 

ery  neighboihcod  has  its  school,  where  children  are  taught 
re;'.ding,  writing,  and  arithmetic. 

Ciiies  and  Toivns.  Annapolis  city  is  the  capital  of  Ma- 
ryland, and  the  wealthiest  place  of  its  size  in  all  America. 
It  is  at  the  mouth  of  the  Severn  river,  30  miles  south  of 
Baltimore.  It  is  a  city  of  little  note  in  the  commercial 
world.  The  houses,  350  in  number,  are  indicative  of  great 
wealth.     The  number  of  inhabitants  does  not  exceed  'iOOO. 

Balt  I  more  has  had  the  most  rapid  growth  of  any  town 
on  the  continent,  and  is  the  third  in  size,  and  the  fourth 
in  trade,  in  the  United  States.  It  lies  on  the  north  side  of 
Patapsco  river.  Th^  situation  of  the  town  is  low,  and 
was  formerly  unhealthy,  but  the  increase  of  houses,  and 
the  paving  and  other  improvements  of  the  streets,  have 
rendered  it  tolerably  healthy.  The  number  of  inhubit- 
UMtsin  the  town  and  precincts,  according  to  the  census  of 
1800,  v^'as  23,214^;  in  1810  they  amounted  to  46,4-83. 
It  contains  nine  churches,  a  theatre,  and  a  number  of  oth- 
er public  buildings.  The  tonnage  of  this  city  in  1810 
was  102,4  59. 

Fredericktowa  i'j  a  fine,  flouii,-.hing  inland  town,  and 
contained,  in  I7:i)7>  2500  inhabitants.  Hagarstown  is 
situated  in  tlie  beautiful  and  v.^ell  ciillivated  valley  of  Con- 
egocheagr.e,  and  carries  on  a  considerable  trade  with  the 
western  country.  Elkton  is  near  the  head  of  Chesapcak 
bay,  on  a  small  river  which  bears  the  name  of  the  town. 
It  enjoys  great  advantages  from  the  carrying  trade  be- 
tween 13alLimore  and  Philadelphia. 


COLUMBIA  TERRITOPxY. 

TKIS  territory  is  ten  miles  square,  and  embraces  the 
city  of  Washington,  Georgetown  and  Alcxandiia.  It  was 
ceded  to  the  United  States,  by  Maryland  and  Virginia,  for 
the  purpose  of  estiiblishing  in  it  the  seat  of  the  general 
government.  It  embraces  a  section  of  Potomac  river,  ex- 
tending from  the  southern  part  of  Alexandria,  to  a  point 
about  five  miles  above  Georgetown,  and  includes  a  part  of 
one  of  the  Patomac  canals.  This  section  of  the  river,  from 
the  Ma:  ^  land  side,  receives  ilie  Easterji  Branch,  whicli 
bounds  ihe  city  of  Washington  on  the  southeast,  Tiber, 
Reedy,  and  Rock  Creeks ;  and  from  tlie  Virginia  side, 


184.  COLUMBIA. 

Four  Mile  Run.  Eastern  Branch  forms  a  safe  and  com- 
modious harbor, being  sufficiently  deep  for  the  largest  ships 
for  about  four  miles  above  i^s  mouth,  while  the  channel 
lies  close  along  the  bank,  adjoining  the  city.  The  Pato- 
mac  is  navigable  only  for  small  craft,  for  a  considerable 
distance  from  if;  banks,  next  the  city. 

Washington  city  appears  to  contain  some  important 
improvements  upoii  that  of  the  b."st  planned  cities  in  the 
v/orld  ;  combining,  in  a  remarkable  degiee,  convenience, 
regularity,  elegance  of  prospect,  and  a  free  circulation  of 
air.  The  positions  of  the  different  public  edifices,  and  of 
the  several  squares  and  areas  of  diuerent  shapes,  as  they 
are  laid  down,  were  first  determined  on  the  most  advan- 
tagei>usground,  commanding  the  most  extensive  prospects, 
and;  from  their  situfaion,  susceptible  of  such  improvements 
fis  either  use  or  ornament  may  require.  The  capitol  is 
situated  on  a  most  beautiful  eminence  commanding  a  com- 
plete view  of  every  part  of  the  city.  The  President's 
house  stands  on  a  rising  ground,  possessing  a  delightful 
water  prospect,  together  with  a  commanding  view  of  the 
capitol,  and  the  most  material  parts  of  the  city.  The 
gr;n-id  avenues,  and  such  streets  as  lead  immediately  to 
public  places,  are  from  130  to  IGO  feet  wide  ;  the  ether 
Streets  are  from  90  to  110  feet  wide. 

In  180?,  this  city  contained  4353  inhabitants,  of  whom 
S40  were  people  of  color.  In  J  81  0,  the  number  of  inhab- 
itan's  had  increased  to  8620.  Here  are  four  houses  for 
p'ablic  worship  for  Presbyterians,  one  for  Roman  Catho- 
lics, one  for  Bap.tists,  and  one  for  Episcopalians.  In  the 
city,  are  three  market  houses.  At  the  navy  yard,  arc  three 
large  brick  buildings,  for  the  reception  of  naval  stores. 
Barracks  are  erected  for  the  marines.  At  Greenleaf's 
Point  is  a  powder  iiiagazine  and  a  guard  house.  Two 
bridges  are  built  over  Rock  Creek,  which  divides  the  city 
from  Georgetov/u  The  public  offices  occupy  two  build- 
ings, each  about  450  feet  from  the  President's  house. 

Georgetows  stands  on  the  bank  of  the  Patomac,  IGO 
miles  from  its  entrance  into  the  Chosapeak,  and  four  from 
Washington  city  It  contains  about  250  houses,  and 
4948  mhabitants, 

A'.cxANDRiA  stands  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Patomac, 
and  contained  in  1800,  about  500  houses,  and  5030  in- 
habitants;  in  1810,  7227. 


VlROmiA. 


IS^ 


VIRGINIA. 


Situation  and  Extent.  THIS  is  the  largest  of  the  United 
States,  extending  iiG  miles  in  length,  by  a  breadth  of  224- 
miles,  and  containing  an  area  of  70,000  square  miles.  It 
lies  between  36"  and  41°  north  latitude,  and  between  the 
meridian  of  Philadelphia,  and  S**  west  longitude. 

Boundaries.  Bounded  north  by  Maryland,  part  of  Penn- 
sylvania, and  Ohio  ;  west  by  Kentucky  ;  south  by  North- 
Carolina  ;  east  by  the  Atlantic  ocean. 

The  following  are  the  divisions,  and  number  of  inhab- 
itants in  each^ according  to  the  census  of  ISIO. 


Counties. 

Noj  inhabitants. 

Counties.               No 

.  Inhabitants- 

Accomac 

15,743 

Greenbrier 

5,914 

Albemarle 

18,268 

Gransville 

6,858 

Amelia 

10,594 

Giles 

3,745 

Amherst 

10,548 

Halifax 

22,133 

Augusta 

14,308 

Hampshire 

4,784 

Bath 

4,837 

Hanovor 

1 5,082 

Bedford 

16,148 

Hardy 

5,525 

Berkely 

11,479 

Harrison 

9,958 

Botetourt 

13,301 

Henrico 

9,945 

Brooke 

5,843 

Henry 

5,611 

Brunswick 

15,411 

Isle  of  Wight 

9,186 

Bucking^ham 

20,059 

James  city 

4,094 

Campbell 

17,001 

Jefferson 

11,851 

Caroline 

17,544 

Kanhawa 

3,866 

Charles  city 

5,186 

King  and  Queen 

10,98R 

Charlotte 

13,161 

King  George 

6,454 

Chesterfield 

9,979 

King  William 

9,285 

Cumberland 

9,992 

Lancaster 

5,592 

Culpepper 

18,967 

Lee 

4,694 

Cabell 

2,7 1  7 

I^oudon 

21,338 

Dinwiddie 

12,524 

Louisa 

1 1 ,900 

Elizabeth  city 

3,608 

l>unenburg 

12,265 

Es^ex 

9,376 

Madison 

8,381 

Fauquier 

22,689 

Matthews 

4,227. 

Fairfax 

13,111 

Mecklenburg 
Middlesex 

18,453 

Fluvanna 

4,775 

4,414 

Frederick 

22,574 

Mouongahela 

12,793- 

Frr.nklin 

10,724 

Monroe 

5,444 

Gloucester 

10,427 

Montgomery 

8,409 

Goochland 

10,203 

Mason 

1,931 

Grayson 

4,941 

NaD8«mond 

10,324 

Q2 


185 

VIRGINIA. 

Counties.              No. 

inhabitants. 

Counties.              No, 

inhabitant 

New-Kent 

6,478 

Russei 

6,316 

Norfolk  county 

13,679 

Slienandoah 

13,646 

Northampton 

7,474 

Southampton 

13,497 

Northumberland 

8,308 

Spotsylvania 

13,296 

Nottoway- 

9,278 

StafFord 

9,830 

Nelson 

9,684; 

Surry 

6,855 

Ohio 

8,175 

Sussex 

11,362 

Orange 

12,323 

Tazewell 

f.,007 

Patrick 

4,695 

Warwick 

1,8S5 

Pendleton 

4,.'i39 

Washington 

12,136 

Pittsylvania 

17,172 

Westmoreland 

8,152 

Powhatan 

8,072 

Wood 

3,0S6 

Prince  Edward 

12,4C9 

Wythe 

8,356 

Princes*  Ann 

9,498 

York 

5,187 

Prince  William 

11,311 

City  of  Richmond 

9,735 

Prince  George 

8,050 

Norfolk  borough 

9,193 

Randolph 

2,854 

Petersburg 

5,668 

Richmond  county 

6,214 

Rockbridge 

10,318 

Total  ^Uy^rW 

974,6£2 

Rockingham 

1 2,7-53 

A_ 

There  were  in  Virginia,  in  1800,  534,396  free  inhabi- 
tants, and  34-5,796  slaves. 

Face  of  the  Country.  '1  he  whole  country  below  the  head 
of  the  tide  waters,  about  100  miles  from  the  sea,  is  level, 
and, from  various  appearances,  seems  to  have  been  once 
washed  by  the  sea.  It  is  intersected,  in  all  directions,  by 
salt  creeks  and  rivers,  the  heads  of  which  form  swamps 
and  marshes,  often  covered  with  water.  The  mountain- 
ous regions  commence  about  fifteen  miles  from  the  sea  ; 
and  the  mountains  are  disposed  in  ridges,  one  behind  a- 
nother,  running  nearly  parallel  with  the  sea  coast. 

Rivers  and  Canah.  The  Potomac  rises  in  the  Allegany 
mountains,  and  has  two  principal  branches,  called  the 
North  and  South  rivers  both  of  which  are  navigable  ma- 
ny miles  above  their  junction.  About  80  miles  further 
down,  the  Potomac  is  joined  by  the  Shenandoah,  after 
which  it  runs  a  southeast  and  south  course  to  its  estuary 
in  Chesapeak  bay.  The  distance  from  the  capes  of  Vir- 
ginia to  the  termination  of  the  tide  waters,  in  this  river,  is 
nearly  300  rniles.  It  is  navigable  for  ships  of  the  greatest 
burden  nearly  that  distance.  It  is  7^-mileswideatitsmouth. 

The  Shenandoah  rises  in  Augusta  county,  and,  after  a 
northeast  course  of  200  miles,  joins  the  Patomac  just  be- 
fore the  passage  of  the  latter  through  the  Blue  Ridge.  It 
is  navigable  100  miles. 


VIRGINIA.  187 

The  Rappahannoc  rises  ia  the  Blue  Ridge,  runs  souih- 
eastwardly  120  miles,  and  enters  the  Chesapeak  between 
Windmill  and  Stingray  points.     It  is  navigable  110  miles. 

James  river  is  formed  by  the  junction  of  Jackson's  and 
Cowpasture  rivers,  and  falls  into  the  Chesapeak.  It  is 
navigable  for  vessels  of  125  tons,  to  Richmond.  Near 
this  town,  the  navigation  is  obstructed  by  falls,  round 
which  is  a  canal. 

Appamattox  is  a  large  branch  of  James  river,  navigable 
a  considerable  distance.  A  company  is  incorporated  for 
the  purpose  of  making  it  navigable  from  Petersburg  near- 
ly to  its  source. 

Nansemond  river  rises  in  Great  Dismal  Swamp,  and 
empties  into  James  river.  The  Rivanna,  another  branch 
of  James  river,  is  navigable  for  boats  to  Charlottesville. 

York  river,  at  Yorktown,  affords  the  best  harbor  in  the 
state,  for  vessels  of  the  largest  size. 

The  Great  Kanhawa,  which  empties  into  the  Ohio,  is  a 
river  of  considerable  notes  The  Little  Kanhawa  affords 
a  navigation  of  ten  miles  only. 

Mountains.  The  Allegany  mountains,  in  their  several 
ridges,  pass  in  a  northeast  and  southwest  direction  through 
this  state.  The  height  of  these  mountains  has  never  been 
estimated  with  exactness.  They  divide  the  waters  of  the 
Atlantic  from  those  of  the  Missisippi. 

Soil  and  Productions.  The  soil  of  Virginia  is  various; 
above  the  mountains,  it  produces  large  crops  of  wheat, 
rye,  oats,  barley,  buckwheat,  Indian  corn,  flax,  and  hemp. 
This  country  has  aLo  excellent  meadows,  which  yield  large 
crops  of  grass.  Between  the  Blue  Ridge  and  tide  water. 
Is  the  tobacco  country.  Between  the  tide  water  and  the 
sea,  the  principal  productions  are  Indian  corn,  oats  and 
peas.  South  of  James  river,  cotton  is  raised  in  sufficient 
quantity  for  home  consumption.  The  southeastern  coi^n- 
ties  produce  cider  and  apple  brandy  in  large  quantities, 
and  export  some  of  it.  In  some  counties,  they  have  plen- 
ty of  exquisite  brandy,  distilled  from  peaches,  Vrhich  grow 
in  great  abundance  upon  the  numerous  iiv«s  of  the  Ches- 
apeak. Caves  among  the  mountains  have  lately  been 
discovered,  which  yield  salt  petre,  in  such  abundance, 
that  500,000  pounds  of  it  might  be  collected  from  them 
annually. 


188  VIRGINIA, 

Horned,  or  neat  cattle,  are  bred  in  great  numbers  in  the 
western  counties  of  Virginia,  where  they  have  an  extensive 
range,  and  mild  winters  wiihout  any  permanent  snows. 
They  run  at  large  and  multiply  very  fast. 

The  Virginians,  being  fond  of  pleasure,  have  taken  great 
pains  to  raise  a  good  breed  of  horses,  and  have  succeeded 
in  it  beyond  any  of  the  states.  Horse  racing  has  a  tenden- 
cy to  encourage  the  breeding  of  good  horses,  as  it  affords 
an  opportunity  of  putting  them  to  the  trial  of  their  speed. 
They  are  more  elegant,  and  will  perform  more  service 
than  the  horses  of  the  northern  states. 

Mines  and  Minerals.  Virginia  is  thought  to  be  the  most 
pregnant  v/ith  minerals  and  fossils  of  any  state  in  the  U- 
nion.  On  the  Great  Kanhawa,  are  mines  of  lead,  the  ore 
of  which  is  sometimes  mixed  with  earth  and  sometimes 
vfith  rock.  Copper,  iron,  black  lead,  coal,  marble,  lime- 
stone, &c  are  found  in  this  state.  Crystals  are  common. 
Some  amethysts  and  one  emerald  have  been  discovered. 

Medicinal  and  Salt  Springs.  The  most  efficacious  of  these 
are  twd  springs  in  Augusta,  near  the  sources  of  James  riv- 
er, where  it  is  called  Jackson's  river.  They  rise  near  the 
foot  of  the  Warm  Spring  mountain.  One  is  distinguish- 
ed by  the  name  of  the  Warm  Spring  and  the  other  of  the 
Hot  Spring.  The  waters  relieve  rheumatisms.  Other 
complaints,  of  very  different  natures,  have  been  removed 
or  lessened  by  them.  It  i-alns  here  four  or  five  days  in 
every  week. 

On  Potomac  river,  are  medicinal  springs,  much  more 
frequented  than  those  of  Augusta  ;  but  their  powers  are 
less.  Salt  springs  have  been  found  in  Greenbrier.  By 
digging,  plenty  of  very  strong  salt  water  is  lound.  Near 
Kanhawa  court  house,  there  is  a  salt  spring,  from  which 
considerable  salt  has  been  made. 

*  Manufactures  and  Commerce.  The  people  of  Virginia  are 
more  attached  to  agriculture  than  to  commerce  or  manu- 
factures. They  probably,  hov/ever,  manufacture  three 
quarters  of  their  own  clothing,  There  are  considerable 
manufacture^of  cast  and  wrought  iron,  and  also  of  lead  ; 
beside  which,  there  are  few  others  of  consequence. 

Tobacco  and  flour  are  the  most  important  articles  of 
commerce  in  Virginia.     Those  of  less  consequence,  are 


VIRGINIA.  189. 

tar,  pitch,  inrpentlne,  corn,  lumber,  cotton,  pit-coal,  iron, 
brandy,  whiskey,  and  horses 

Education.  There  aie  three  colleges  in  this  state. 
William  and  Mary,  at  Williamsburg  ;  Hampden  Sidney, 
in  Prince  Edward  county  ;  and  W^ashington  college,  at 
I^exington.  There  are  also  several  academies  ;  one  at 
Alexandria,  one  at  Norfolk,  one  at  Hanover,  and  others 
in  other  places. 

Chiif  Towns.  There  are  no  townships  in  this  state,  nor 
any  towns  of  consequerice,  o\vir;g  probably  to  the  inter- 
section of  the  country  by  navigable  rivers,  which  brings 
the  tiade  to  the  doors  of  the  inhabitants,  and  prevents  the 
necessity  of  their  going  in  quest  of  it  at  a  distance. 

Norfolk  contains  9183  inhabitants.  This  borough 
will  probably  soon  become  the  emporium  for  all  the  trade 
of  Chesapeak  bay  and  its  waters  ;  and  a  canal  of  8  or  10 
miles,  which  has  been  cut.  will  probably  bring  to  it  that 
of  Albermarle  sound  waters. 

Richmond  is  the  present  seat  of  government,  and  stands 
on  the  north  side  of  Jarrres  river.  It  contained,  in  1810, 
9735  inhabitants.  The  public  buildings  are  an  Episco- 
pal church,  state  house,  court  house,  and  gaol.  It  had  a 
theatre,  which  in  December,  1811,  was  burnt  during  dn 
exhibition,  and  with  it  the  governor  of  the  state,  and  about 
100  others,  of  the  most  respectable  citizens 

Petersburg,  twen  y-five  miles  south  of  Richmond,  on. 
the  south  side  of  Appomattox  river,  contains  5688  inhabi- 
tants. It  is  very  unhealthy,  being  shut  from  the  access 
cf  the  winds  by  high  hills  on  every  side.  The  celebrated 
Indian  queen,  Pocahontas,  from  whom  descended  the 
Randolph  and  Bowling  families,  formerly  resided  at  this 
place. 

Williamsburg,  sixty  miles  eastward  of  Richmond, 
consists  of  about  200  houses,  going  fast  to  decay,  and  has 
about  1500  inhabitants. 

YoRKTowN,  on  the  south  side  of  York  river,  contains 
about  700  inhabitants.  It  was  rendered  famous  by  the 
capture  of  Lord  Cornwallis  and  his  army,  on  the  19th  of 
October,  1781,  by  the  united  forces  of  America  and 
France. 

Fredericksburg  is  on  the  south  side  of  Rappahannoc 
river,  110  miles  from  its  mo.uth. 


190  VIRGINIA. 

Mount  Vernon,  the  celebrated  seat  of  the  late  Presi- 
dent Washington,  Is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  Virginia 
bank  of  the  Potomac,  where  the  river  is  nearly  two  miles 
wide,  and  about  2S0  miles  from  the  sea. 

Curiosities.  The  description  of  all  the  natural  curiosities, 
in  Virginia  would  fill  a  volume.  Only  the  most  noted 
will  here  be  mentioned. 

In  the  low  grounds  of  the  Great  Kanhawa,  seven  miles 
above  the  mouth  of  £,lk  river,  is  a  hole  in  the  earth  of  the 
capacity  of  30  or  40  gallons,  fri'^i  which  issues  constantly 
a  bituminous  vapor,  in  so  strong  a  current,  as  to  give  to 
the  sand  about  its  orifice  the  motion  which  it  has  in  a  boil- 
ing spring.  On  presenting  a  lighted  candle  ox  torch  with- 
in eighteen  inches  of  the  hole,  it  flames  up  in  a  column 
of  eighteen  inches  diameter,  and  four  or -five  feet  in  height, 
which  sometimes  burns  out  in  twenty  minutes,  and  at  oili- 
er times  has  been  knou-n  to  continue  three  days,  and  then 
has  been  left  burning.  The  flame  is  unsteady,  of  the  den- 
sity of  that  of  burning  spiriis,  and  smells  like  burning  pit- 
coal.  Water  sometimes  collects  in  the  bason,  which  is  re- 
markably cold,  and  is  kept  in  ebullition  by  the  vapor.  If 
it  be  fired  in  that  state,  the  water  soon  becomes  so  warm 
that  the  hand  cannot  bear  it,  and  evaporates  wholly  in  a 
short  time. 

There  is  an  extraordinary  spring,  in  the  western  part  of 
Virginia,  called  the  Burning  spring,  it  w^s  known  along 
time  to  the  hunters,  who  frequently  encamped  by  it,  for 
the  sake  of  obtaining  good  water.  Some  of  them  arrived 
iate  one  night,  and,  after  making  a  five,  took  a  brand  to 
light  them  to  the  spiing.  On  their  coming  to  it,  some 
fire  dropped  from  the  brand,  and  in  an  instant  the  water 
was  in  a  flame,  and  so  continued  ;  over  which  they  could 
roast  their  meat  as  soon  as  by  the  greatest  fire.  It  was 
left  in  this  situation  and  continued  burning  for  thr'ee 
months,  without  internjission.  The  fire  xvas  extinguished 
by  smothering  it. 

There  are  two  springs  high  up  the  Potomac,  one  of 
which  has  about  the  same  degree  of  heat,  as  blood  running 
from  the  veins.  The  other  issuing  from  the  same  toun- 
tain,  a  little  farther  off,  is  as  rematkable  for  its  coldness, 
as  the  first  is  for  its  heat,  and  diirers  from  common  springs 
in  as  many  degrees, 


VIRGINIA.  191 

The  inention  of  uncommon  springs  leads  to  that  of  sy- 
phon fountains.  1  here  is  one  of  these  near  the  North 
hiountain  on  the  stream  of  which  is  a  grist  mill,  which 
grinds  two  bushels  of  grain,  at  every  flood  of  the  spring. 
Another,  17  miles  from  the  Hot  springs,  intermits  once  in 
every  twelve  hours. 

After  these  may  be  mentioned  the  Natural  well,  in 
Frederick  county  j  it  is  somewnat  larger  than  a  common 
well ;  the  water  rises  in  it  as  near  the  surface  of  the  earth 
as  iq(|thc  neighboring  artificial  wells,  and  is  of  a  depth  as 
yet  unknown.  It  is  said  there  is  a  current  in  it  tending 
sensibly  downwards.  In  the  lime  stone  country,  there  are 
many  caverns  of  very  considerable  extent.  The  most  not- 
ed is  called  Madison's  cave,  on  the  N.  side  of  the  Blue 
ridge.  It  is  in  a  hill  of  about  200  feet  perpendicular 
height,  the  ascent  of  which,  on  one  side,  is  so  steep,  that 
a  biscuit  may  be  pitched  from  its  summit  into  the  river 
which  washes  its  base.  It  extends  into  the  earth  about 
300  feet,  branching  into  subordinate  caverns,  and  at  length 
terminates  in  two  diiFerent  placcs;  at  basons  of  water  of 
unknown  extent,  and  which  appear  to  be  nearly  on  a  level 
with  the  water  of  the  river.  The  vault  of  this  cave  is  of 
solid  lime  stone,  from  20  to  50  feet  high,  through  which 
the  water  is  continually  exuding.  This,  trickling  down 
the  sides  of  the  cave,  has  encrusted  them  over  in  the  form 
of  elegant  drapery  ;  and  diipping  from  the  top  of  the 
vault,  generate  on  that,  and  on  the  base  below,  stalactites 
of  a  conceal  form,  some  of  which  have  met  and  formed 
massive  columns. 

Another  of  these  cave;  is  in  the  county  of  Frederick,  on 
the  top  of  an  extensive  ridge.  After  descending  30  or  40 
i'eet,  as  into  a  well,  the  cave  extends  nearly  horizontally, 
400  feet  into  the  earth,  preserving  a  breadth  of  from  20  to 
50  feet,  and  a  height  of  from  5  to  1  2  feet. 

At  the  Panther  Gap,  is  what  is  called  the  Blowing  cave. 
It  is  in  the  side  of  a  hill,  and  emits  constantly  a  current  of 
air  of  such  force,  as  to  keep  the  weeds  prostrate  to  the  dis- 
Uincc  of  20  yards  before  it.  This  current  is  strongest  in 
dry,  frosty  weather,  and  in  long  spells  of  rain,  weakest. 
There  is  anodier  blowing  cave  in  the  Cumberland  moun- 
tain. It  is  not  constant,  and  a  fountain  cf  water  is&ues 
from  it. 


192  KENTUCKY. 

Near  the  Kanhawa,  there  ii  a  remarkable  cave,  extend- 
ing entirely  through  the  base  of  a  high  mountain,  the  dis- 
tance of  upwards  of  two  miles.  Persons  have  passed  from 
one  side  of  llie  mountain  to  the  other,  through  this  sub- 
terraneous passage.  The  earth  on  the  bottom  of  this 
cave,  is  strongly  impregnated  with  nitre ;  and  salt  pelre, 
in  any  quantity,  may  be  made  from  it. 

There  a»-e  several  natural  bridges  in  Virginia,  which  are 
sublime  curiosities.  The  most  remarkable  is  over  Cedar 
creek,  a  branch  of  James  river.  The  channel,  ovtr  which 
it  stands,  is  on  the  side  of  a  high  hill.  At  the  bridge,  it  i.s 
200  feet  in  depth,  4-5  feet  iu  breadth,  and  90  feet  at  the 
top,  which  of  course  determines  the  height  and  length  of 
the  bridge,  which  runs  completely  across.  Its  breadth  is 
60  feet,  and  its  thickness,  at  the  summit  of  the  arch,  40 
feet.  It  is  a  solid  rock  of  limesiPne,  covered  with  a  deep 
coat  of  earth,  which  gives  grov/th  to  several  large  trees. 

On  anoiher  branch  of  James  river,  is  a  remarkably  beau- 
tiful cascade,  called  the  Falling  Spring.  The  sheet  of  wa- 
ter, which  is  1 2  or  15  feet  broad,  falls  over  a  perpendicular 
rock,  200  feet  high  Between  this  sheet  and  the  bottom, 
people  may  walk  across,  untouched  by  the  falling  water. 

Remains  of  ancient  fortifications  are  thickly  scattered 
through  the  western  parts  of  this  state,  embracing  from  2 
to  10  acres  each. 

The  passage  of  the  Potomac  through  the  Blue  ridge 
is  one  of  the  most  stupendous  scenes  imaginable;  and  is 
worth  a  voyage  across  the  Atlantic.  Yet  here,  as  in  the 
neighborhood  ot  the  Natural  Bridge,  are  people  who  have 
passed  their  lives  within  half  a  dozen  miles,  and  have  nev- 
er been  to  survey  these  monuments  of  war  between  rivers 
and  mountains,  which  must  have  shaken  the  earth  itself 
to  its  centre. 


KENTUCKY. 

Bmndarles.  SENTUCKY  is  an  interior  state,  lying 
west  of  Virginia,  which  forms  its  eastern  bramdary,  aiid 
to  which  it  forn)eily  belonged  ;  south  it  I.as  the  slate  of 
Tenr.p?-see  ;  west  It  has  Cumberland  river,  and  noi  tlnvest 
the  Ohio  river. 


KENTUCKY. 


l96 


Extent.  Kentucky  is  250  miles  long,  and  200  broad, 
extending  from  8  to  15°  west  longitude,  and  From  36°  30' 
to  39^  30'  north  latitude,  containing  50,000  square  miles. 

Divisions  and  Population.  This  state  is  divided  into  5^ 
counties. 


Coimties. 

Population. 

Counties. 

Population 

Adair 

6.011 

Harden 

7,531 

Barrin 

11,286 

Hopkins 

2,964 

Boone 

8,008 

Jessamine 

8,377 

Bracken 

f),706 

Jefferson             vg,- 
Knox                   •* 

^       13,399 

Breckenridge 

3,430 

5,875 

Bourbon 

18,000 

l^ivingston 

3,674 

Butler 

2,181 

Lewis 

2,357 

Bullet 

4,311 

Lincoln 

8,676    ' 

Clarke 

11,519 

Lo^'an 

12,123 

Ca&ey 

3,285 

Mason 

12,459 

Campbell 

3,473 

Mercer 

12,630 

Christian 

1  1 ,020 

Madisoti 

15,540 

Cumberland 

6,191 

Muhlenhurg' 

4,181 

Clay 

2;398 

Montgomery 

12,975 

Caldwell 

4,268 

Nicholas 

4,898 

Estle 

2,082 

Nelson 

14,078 

Fayette 

21,370 

Ohio 

3,792 

Franklin 

8,013 

Pulaski 

6,897 

Fleming 

8,947 

Pendleton 

2f,061 

SFloyd 

3,485 

Rock  v.astle 

1,731 

GalUtin 

3,307 

Scott 

12,419 

Greenup 

2,369 

Shebby 

14,877 

Green 

6,735 

Wayne 

5,430 

Grayson 

2,301 

Washington 

18,248 

Gerrard 

9,186 

Warren 

11,937 

Henry 

6,777 

Woodford 

9,650 

H<iTrison 

7,752 

Henderson 

4,703 

Total 

406,51 1 

Face  of  the  Country,  This  country  generally  lies  on  a 
bed  of  limestone,  commonly  eight  feet  below  the  surface, 
except  in  vallies,  where  the  soil  is  thinner.  Along  the 
banlcs  of  the  Ohio  the  land  is  hilly  ;  but  in  general  it  is 
agreeably  diversified  with  vallies  and  gentle  ascending  hills. 

Rivers.  The  Ohio  washes  the  northwestern  side  of 
"Kentucky  in  its  whole  extent. 

Sandy,  Licking,  and  Kentucky  rivers  rise  near  each 
other  in  the  Cumberland  mountains  and  fall  into  the  Ohio. 
Licking  river  runs  100  miles,  and  is  100  yards  wide  at 
its  mouth.  Kentucky  river  is  very  crooked,  and  after  a, 
course  of  200  miles,  falls  into  the  Ohio  by  a  mouth  150 
yards  wide. 

R 


!9t  KENTUCKY. 

Salt  river  rises  from  four  different  sources,  and  empties 
into  the  Ohio. 

Green  river  pursues  a  western  course  of  J  50  miles,  and 
falls  into  the  Ohio  by  a  mouth  80  yards  wide. 

Cumberland  river,  after  rolling  round  the  mountains  in 
Kentucky  and  Tennesee  450  miles,  passes  into  the  Ohio. 

Soil  and  ProJuct'tons.  The  land  on  the  banks  of  the  riv- 
ers is  extremely  fertile,  and  covered  with  timber,  where  it 
is  not  cleared  for  agricultural  purposes.  Among  the 
trees  are  the  sugar  maple  ;  the  coffee  tree,  which  pro- 
duces  a  seed  similar  to  coffee  ;  the  papaw  ;  thehackberry 
and  cucumber  trees,  which  last  bear  a  fruit  resembling  the 
cucumber  ;  the  honey  locust,  black  mulberry,  wild  cher- 
ry, the  buckeye,  and  the  magnolia.  Such  is  the  variety 
and  beauty  of  the  flowering  shrubs  and  plants  which  grow 
spontaneously  in  this  country,  that  at  certain  seasons  the 
■u'ilderness  appears  in  blossom.  The  accounts  of  the  fer- 
tility of  the  soil  almost  exceed  belief.  Wheat,  rye,  bar- 
ley, and  almost  every  kind  of  grain  and  cultivated  vege- 
table, are  produced  in  luxuriance.  Vineyards  are  plant- 
ed  in  various  parts  of  the  state,  and  promise  to  be  produc- 
tive. Some  cotton  is  raised,  but  is  seldom  brought  to 
perfection. 

Minerals,  Iron  ore  abounds  in  Kentucky.  Copperas 
and  alum  are  also  found  here ;  but  our  information  on 
this  subject  is  very  imperfect. 

Salt  Springs.  There  are  five  noted  salt  springs,  or  licks, 
in  Kentucky,  some  of  which  supply  the  country  wilh  salt. 
The  water  is  more  strongly  impregnated  with  salt  than 
lliat  of  the  ocean. 

Manufactures.  There  are  few  manufactures  In  this  state, 
except  articles  for  domestic  use.  Iron  and  salt  are  the 
principal.  Considerable  quantities  of  sugar  are  made 
from  tlae  sugar  trees.  Paper  and  oil  mills,  and  some  val- 
uable tanneries  are  erected  in  different  paits. 

Literature  and  Education.  While  Kentucky  belonged  to 
Virginia,  the  legislature  of  thai  state  made  provision  for 
a  college.  Another  has  since  been  established  at  Lex- 
ington under  the  direction  of  a  president,  two  professors 
in  the  literary  departments,  three  medical  professors,  and  a 
professor  of  law.     It  has  a  library  of  3000  volumes,  and  a 


TENNESSEE.  105 

jwiilosophical  apparatus,  Sclioo!s  are  established  in  the 
towns,  and  handbomely  supported. 

Chief  Torvns.  Frankfort,  on  the  north  bank  cf  Ken- 
r.icky  r!ver,1n  \yashingtcn  county,  is  the  place  where  the 
legislature  and  supreme  couits  hold  Jicir  sessions,  and  is 
u  flourishlnsj  place. 

L^xiNG  I  o><,  on  the  head  waters  of  Elkhorn  river,  Is  tha 
Targest  town  in  Kentucky  ;  it  has  several  manufactories, 
five  places  for  public  woishtp,  a  court  house,  and  a  col- 
leq^e  before  mentioned. 

LovTsviLLE,  seated  near  the  rapids  In  Ohio  river,  is  a 
port  of  entry,  and  a  place  of  considerable  trade. 

Curtoshhs.  There  are  caves  in  Kentucky  of  several 
miles  in  length,  under  a  fine  lime  stone  rock,  supported  by 
curious  arches  and  pillars. 

Springs  that  emit  sulphurous  matter  have  been  found 
in  several  parts  of  the  country.  One  is  near  a  salt  sgnn^^', 
in  the  neighborhood  of  Boonsborough.  There  are  three 
springs  or  ponds  of  bit'?men  near  Green  river,  which  do 
not  form  a  stream,  but  empty  themselves  into  a  common 
reservoir,  and  when  used  in  lamps,  answer  all  the  purpo- 
ses of  the  best  oil.  Near  Lexington  are  found  curious 
sepulchres  full  of  human  skeletons.  A  man  near  Lexing- 
ton having  dug  five  or  six  feet  below  the  surface  of  the 
ground,  came  to  a  large  flat  stone,  under  uhich  was  a 
well  of  common  depth,  regularly  and  artificially  stoned. 

At  the  bottom  of  the  falls  in  the  Ohio,  is  a  small  rocky 
island,  overflown  at  high  water,  which,  is  remarkable  for 
its  petrifactions.  Wood,  roots,  and  fish  bones  are  found 
petrified  ;  also  a  hornet's  nest,  a  bird,  and  several  fish. 


TENNESSEE. 

FORMERLY  was  the  western  part  of  Nortli  Carolin?, 
and  was  ceded  by  that  state  to  the  United  States  in  17^-9. 
It  was  admitted  into  the  Union  as  one  of  the  states,  in  1 796. 

SUuatkn  and  Extent,  Tennessee  lies  between  '55  and  86° 
30'  north  latitude,  and  between  6"  3(/  and  15°  30'  v.-est 
longitude  ;  400  miles  long,  and  104-  broad  ;  containing 
'Jl-iOOO  square  miles.- 


196  'TENNESSEE. 

Boundaries,  It  Is,  bounded  north  by  Kentucky  and  Vir- 
ginia ;  east  by  North-Carolina ;  south  by  Georgia  and 
the  Missisippi  Territory  ;  west  by  the  Missisippi,  wliich 
separates  it  irom  Louisiana. 

Divisions  ami  Population.  Tennessee  is  divided  into  five 
districts,  Washington,  Hamilton,  Mere,  Robertson,  and 
Winchester,  and  58  counties. 

In  1 800  Tennessee  had  105,602  inhabitants,  of  whom 
13,584  were  slaves;  in  1810,  '261,7'^7.  of  which  44^535 
were  slaves.  The  inhabitants  chiefly  emigrated  from 
Pennsylvania,  and  that  part  of  Virginia  that  lies  west  of 
the  Blue  Ridge.  The  ancestors  of  these  people  were  gen- 
erally  of  the  Scotch  nation  ;  some  of  whom  emigrated  lirsL 
to  Ireland  and  from  thence  to  America.  A  few  Germans 
and  English  are  intermixed. 

Rivers.  The  principal  rivers  are  the  Missisippi,  Ten- 
nessee, Cumberland,  Holston  and  Clinch.  The  tract  call- 
ed  the  Broken  Ground,  sends  immediately  into  the  Missi- 
sippi, the  Wolf,  Hatchee,  Eorked  Deer,  Obrian  and  Reel- 
foot,  which  are  from  30  to  80  yards  wide  at  their  mouths. 
There  are  several  smaller  ones,  and  innumerable  creeks, 
some  of  which  are  navigable.  There  is  hardly  a  spot  in 
this  country,  which  is  more  than  20  miles  from  somenav- 
jgable  stream. 

Mountains.  The  chief  mountains  are  Stone,  Yellowj 
Iron,  Bald,  and  Unaka,  adjoining  to  one  another,  from 
the  eastern  boundary  of  the  state,  and  separate  it  from 
North-Carolina  ;  their  direction  is  nearly  from  northeast 
to  southwest.  The  other  mountains  are  Clinch  and  Cum- 
berland. It  would  require  a  volume  to  describe  the 
"mountains  of  this  state,  above  half  of  which  is  covered 
with  those  that  are  uninhabitable.  Some  of  the-e  moun- 
tains, particularly  the  Cumber  land  or  Great  Laurel  Ridgtv 
are  the  most  stupendous  piles  in  the  United  States. 

Soil  and  Productions.  The  soil  is  luxuriant,  and  will  af- 
ford every  production,  the  growth  of  ary  of  the  United 
States.  The  usual  crop  of  cotton  is  SOOibs.  to  the  acre, 
and  of  corn  from  60  to  80,  and  sometimes  100  bushels. 
It  is  asserted,  however,  that  the  lands  on  the  small  rivers 
that  empty  into  the  Missisippi,  have  a  decided  preference 
:o  those  on  Cumberland  river,  for  the  production  of  cot- 
ton, rice,  and  indigo.     Of  trees  the  general  growth   iv. 


poplar,  hickory,  black  and  white  walnut,  all  kinds  of  oaks,  „ 
buckeye,  beech,  sycamore,  black  and  honey  locust,  ash,-  j 
hornbeam,  elm,  mulberry,  cherry,  dogwood,  sassafras, 
papaw,  cucumber  tree,  and  the  sugar  tree.  The  low 
lands  produce  canes,  some  of  which  are  upwards  of  20 
feet  high,  and  so  thick  as  to  prevent  any  other  plant  from 
growing. 

Of  herbs,  roots,  and  shrubs,  there  are  Virginia  and  Sen- 
eca snakeroot,  ginseng,  angelica,  spice  wood,  wild  plum, 
crab  apple,  sweet  annise,  red  bud,  ginger,  spikenard,  wild 
hop  and  grape  vines.  The  glades  are  covered  with  wild 
rye,  wild  oats,  clover,  buftaloe  grass,  strawberries  and 
pea  vines. 

Mints  and  Minerals.  Iron  ore  is  abundant  in  the  dis- 
tricts of  Washington  and  Hamilton.  Gold  and  silver 
mines  arc  said  to  ba  known  to  the  Indians,  but  none  have 
been  discovered  by  the  white  people.  Ores  and  springs 
strongly  impregnated  with  sulphur,  are  found  in  various 
parts.     Saltpetre  caves  are  numerous. 

Trade.  This  country  furnishes  all  the  valuable  articles 
of  the  southern  states.  Fine  waggon  and  saddle  horse?, 
beef  cattle,  ginseng,  deer  skins  and  furs,  cotton  in  great 
quantities,  hemp  and  flax,  which  are  transpoittd  by  land;- 
also  iron,  lumber,  pork,  and  flour,  exported  down  the 
Mifsisippi. 

Educalkn  and  LU':raiure.  The  inhabitants  have  paid 
great  attention  to  the  interests  of  science  ;  beside  private 
schools,  there  are  three  colleges  established  by  law  ;  Creen- 
villc  in  Green  county,  Biount  at  Knoxville,  and  Washing- 
ton  in  the  cntuity  of  that  name.  The  college  in  Green 
county  is  flourishing  under  the  direction  oi  a  President  and 
Vice  President.  Here  is  likewise  a  "  Society  for  promot- 
ing Useful  Knowledge."  A  taste  fur  literature  is  daily 
increasing. 

Ch;,fTGtv!r.  Knoxvillk,  bcautifiiliy  situated  on  l!:c 
llolsvon,  is  the  seat  of  government  in  this  state.  It  has 
518  inliabltants. 

Nashville  is  the  place  where  courts  -arc  held  for  Me- 
re district.  It  has  two  houses  for  pubh'c  wo:  ship,  an  a- 
cademy,  and  3  i'5  inhabitants. 

JONESBOROUGH  IS  liK*  SC'.lt  of  lilC   Cv'-KtS  ll^ld   \\\  Was]^'- 

R  2 


inglon  district.     There  are  iew  other  towns  of  any-  not« 
ia  the  state. 

CurhsU'u's  and  /Inllquitus.  The  Enchanted  Mountain^  so 
called,  about  two  miles  south  of  Brasstown,  is  famed  for 
the  curiosities  on  its  rocks.  There  are  on  several  rocks  a 
luimber  of  impressions  resembling  the  tracks  of  turkeys, 
bears,  horses,  and  human  beings,  as  visible  and  perfect  as 
they  could  be  made  an  snow  or  sand.  The  latter  were 
remarkable  for  having  six  toes  each  ;  one  only  excepted. 
By  this  we  must  suppose  the  originals  to  have  been  the 
progeny  of 'I'itan  or  Anak.  One  of  these  tracks  was  very 
large,  ilie  length  of  the  foot  16  inches,  and  the  distance  of 
the  extremes  of  the  outer  toes  13  inches.  One  of  the  horse 
tracks  was  likewise  of  an  uncommon  size,  the  transverse 
and  conjugate  diameters,  were  8  by  10  inches  ;  perhaps 
the  horse  which  the  Great  Warrior  rode.  What  appears-' 
the  most  in  favor  of  tjieir  being  the  real  tracks  of  the  an- 
imals they  represent,  is'"the  circumstance  of  a  horse's  foot 
having  apparently  slipped  several  inches,  and  recovered 
again,  and  the  fignies  having  all  the  same  direction,  like 
the  trail  of  a  company  on  a  journey.  It  it  be  a  lusus  na- 
ture, she  never  sported  more  seriously.  If  the  operation 
of  chance,  perhaps  there  never  was  more  apparent  design. 
If  it  were  done  by  art,  it  might  be  to  perpetuate  the  re- 
membrance of  some  remarkable  event  of  war,  or  engage- 
ment fougi-.t  on  the  ground.  The  vast  heaps  of  stones 
near  tlie  place,  suppos<.d  to  be  tombs  of  warriors  slain  in 
batile,  seem  to  f^vor  the  supposition.  The  texture  of  the 
rock  is  soft.  The  part  on  which  the  sun  had  the  greatest 
influence,  and  which  was  the  most  indurated,  could  easily 
be  cut  with  a  knife,  and  appeared  to  be  of  the  nature  of 
the  pipe  stone.  Some  of  the  Cherckees  entertain  an  o- 
pinion  that  it  always  rains  when  any  person  visits  the 
place,  as  if  sympathetic  nature  v.-ept  at  the  recollection  of 
tlie  dreadful  catastrophe,  which  those  figures  were  intend- 
ed to  commemorate. 

The  country  contains  many  cascades  and  caverns. 
-Some  of  the  caves  are  dry  and  abound  with  nitrous  earth. 
In  others  are  found  a  vastvaiiety  ot  stalactites  and  other 
petrifactions  ;  and  in  some,  the  adventurous  visitar.t  of 
these  dark  recesses  is  stopped  in  his  progress  by  a  subter* 
rancan  brook  or  creek,  which  crosses  the  cavern. 


NORTH- CAROL  IN  A. 


1^9 


-  Indians.  The  Cherokee  nation  of  Indians  inhabit  partly 
ia  Tennes-ce  and  partly  in  the  Mtssisippi  Territory.  They 
have  been  a  numerous  and  waihke  nation;  but  by  con- 
tinual wars,  in  which  it  has  been  their  destiny  to  be  en- 
gaged with  the  northern  tribes,  they  are  reduced  to  about 
1000  fighting  men. 

Under  the  instruction  and  wise  management  of  the  Rev. 
Gideon  Blackburn,  a  missionary,  this  nation  is  already  far 
advanced  in  the  arts  and  manners  of  civilized  .life. 


NORTH-CAROLINA. 

Extent.  THIS  state  extends  from  S3  .TO  to  36  30 
north  latitude,  and  from  1'^  to  S^  wtst  longitude  ;  450 
miles  long  and  180  broad.  Containing  4»,000  square 
miles. 

Boundaries.  Bonn  Jed  north  by  Virginia;  east  by  the 
Atlantic  Ocean  ;  south  by  Soudi  Carolina  ;  west  by  Ten- 
nessee. 

Dl-vlilons  and  Populatkn.  This  state  is  divided  into  62 
counties  ;  each  cou!ity  is  subdivided  into  towns 


counties. 

Moore 

H.ivwood- 

Eeaufort 

Cabarras 

Gates 

Surry 

Frr-.nklin 

Washington 

Curri'.uc 

Green 

Granville 

Buncombe 

Randolph 

iMontgoniery 

Burke 

KiijjcconiLe 

Beriie 

W:irren 

Columbus 

Rutherford 

Duplin 

Rockingham 

H.obtson 


No.  inhabitants, 

6,367 

2,780 

7,£03 

6,158 

5,9oo 

10,3GS 

lO.lCS 

:3,464 

6;9S.'5 

4,867 

]  5,576 

9,277 

io,n2 

8,4!0 
J  1 ,007 
12,423 

I  J,21S 

I I  ,(X)4 
3,022 

J  .-^,202 
7,8G3 

10,316 
7,523 


Counties. 

Martin 

Craven 

Brunswick 

Camden 

Pitt 

New-Hanover 

Samp'-on 

Carteret 

Jones 

Tyrel 

Perquimons 

Richmond 

Halifax 

Chatliam 

Eiadcn 

Wake 

Stokes 

Pa.^quotank 

Cumberland 

.V'orihampton 

Wilks 

A.ih 

Lenoire 


No.  inhabitants. 
5,987 

12,376 
4,778 
5,347 
9,169 

11,465 
6,520 
4,823 
4,968 
3,364 
6,052 

15,620 

12,997 

.5,671 

3  7,086 

11,645 

7,674 

9,382 

13,082 

.'^,054 

3,694 

5,573 


200 


NORTH-CAROLINA. 


Counties. 

No.  inhabitants. 

Counties. 

No. 

inhabitant 

Wayne 

3,687 

Johnson 

6,867 

Iredet 

10,972 

Chowan 

5,297 

Guildford 

1 1 .420 

Rowan 

21,543 

Anson 

8,83 1 

Hertford 

6,052 

Onslow 

6,669 

Hyde 

6,029 

Ciswell 

H,757 

Lincoln 

i6,359 

Person 

6,642 

Mecklenburg 

14,272 

Nash 

7,268 
20,1.^5 

Total 

Orange 

555;500 

Norih-Carolina  contained,  in  1800,  478,103  inhab- 
itants; in  18!0,  563,526;  viz.  361,283  free  persons, 
202,21-3  slaves.     Increase  in  10  years  85,4'23. 

Face  of  thi  Ccnntry.  The  sea  coast  of  this  state  is  uni- 
formly level,  and  is  principally  covered  with  swamps  and 
forests.  Sixty  or  eighty  miles  from  the  sea  the  country 
rises  into  mountains. 

Bays  and  Ccpcs.  Albemarle  sound  is  a  kind  of  inland 
sea,  60  miles  long  and  10  or  12  broad. 

Pamlico  sound  is  from  10  to  20  miles  broad,  communi- 
cating with  the  Atlantic  ocean  by  several  small  inlets,  ihe" 
cliief  of  which  is  Ocrccoc  inlet,  between  Ocrecoc  island 
and  Core  Bank. 

Core  sound  lies  south  of  Pamlico,  with  which  it  has  a 
communication. 

Cape  Halteras,  in  latitude  35°  \5',  is  surrounded  with 
dangerous  bhoals  and  sand  hanks 

Cape  Look-out  is  soutli  of  Cape  Hatteras,  opposite  Core 
Sound. 

Cape  Fear  is  remaikable  for  a  dangerous  shoal,  called, 
from  its  form,  the  Frying  Pan.  This  shoal  lies  at  the 
entrance  of  Cape  Fear  river,  in  lat.  33"  32'. 

Rh'crs.  Chow.^n  river  is  formed  by  the  conf?»ience  of 
Mcherrin,  Notaway,  and  Black  rivers,  all  of  which  rise  in 
Virginia  It  falls  into  Albemarle  sound  by  a  mouth 
ih:eo  miles  wide. 

Roanoke  is  a  long  rapid  river,  formed  by  Stanton  river 
from  Virginia,  and  Dan  river.  It  is  navigable  only  frtr 
shallops,  and  empties  by  several  mouths  into  Albemarle 
sound. 

Pamlico  or  Tar  river  opens  into  Pamlico  sound.  It  is 
Tiavigable  to  Washington,  4-0  miles. 

Ncuse  river  rises  in  Hillsborough,  and  after  a  winding 
•ourse  of  500  miles  faljs  into  Pamlico  sound,  by  a  mouth 


NORTH  CAROLINA.  201 

flinc  miles  wide.  It  is  navigable  for  large  vessels  to  New- 
bern,  70  miles. 

Trent  river  from  the  southwest,  fells  into  the  Nense  at, 
Ne\vbein»and  is  navigable  12  miles  above  the  town. 

Cape  Fear  or  Clarendon  river  opens  to  the  sea  at  Cape 
Fear.  It  is  navigable  for  large  vessels  to  Wilmington. 
Haw  and  Deep  rivers  are  its  main  branches. 

Yadkin  river  originates  among  the  Blue  Ridges  in  Vir- 
ginia. It  is  joined  by  the  Uwharre  ;  the  united  streams 
lake  the  name  of  Fedee  river,  and  pass  into  Synth  Carolina. 

There  are  several  other  rivers  of  less  note,  among  which 
are  Pasquotank,  Perquimons,  Little,  Alligator,  &c.  which 
flow  into  Albemarle  sound.  All  the  rivers  of  North-Car- 
olina, South-Carolina,  and  Georgia,  are  navigable  by  any 
vessel  that  can  pass  the  bar  at  their  mouths. 

Sivamps.  G.^eat  Dismal  Swamp  is  en  the  dividing  line 
between  this  state  and  Virginia.  It  covers  140,000  acres, 
and  has  a  lake  in  the  middle,  about  7  miles  long,  called 
Drummond's  Pond. 

There  is  another  swamp  in  Currituc  county,  south  of 
Albemarle  sound,  which  is  also  called  Dismal  Swamp, 
supposed  to  contain  one  of  ihe  most  valuable  rice  estates 
■  n  America.  In  the  centre  is  a  lake  II  miles  long  and  T 
broad. 

Soil  and  PrGiluctlons.  The  soil  on  the  banks  of  the  rivers 
is  fertile.  Interspersed  through  the  other  parts  are  glades 
of  rich  swamp  and  ridges  of  oak  land,  of  an  excellent  soil. 

Wheat,  rye,  barley,  oats,  flax  and  tobacco  grow  well  in 
the  back  country  ;  Indian  corn  and  pulse  of  all  kinds  in 
every  part  of  the  state.  Cotton  and  hemp  are  considera- 
bly cultivated.  The  forests  in  the  low  country  universal- 
ly consist  of  pitch  pine,  much  superior  to  that  of  the  north- 
ern states,  yielding  pitch,  tar,  turpentine,  and  various  kinds 
of  lumber.  No  country  produces  finer  white  and  red  oak 
than  the  hi'ls  of  North-Carolina.  The  swamps  abound 
with  cypress  and  bay  trees  ;  the  latter  is  an  evergreen  and 
is  food  for  cattle  in  the  winter.  The  misleto  is  common 
in  the  middle  country.  It  is  a  shrub  different  from  all 
otliers,  never  growing  out  of  the  earth,  but  on  the  tops 
of  trees  ;  the  roots  run  under  the  bark,  of  the  tree,  apd  in- 
corporate  with  iL 


203  NORTH-CAROLINiak 

The  principal  wild  fruits  are*p'iumsi  strawberries,  black* 
-  berries  and  grapes,  from  which  a  tolerable  wine  is  madci 

The  country  is  gea^aliy  covered  wiili  herbage  and  a 
?pecies  of  wild  grass  It  abounds  with  medicmal  plants^ 
The  rich  bottom  lands  are  overgrown  with  canes  which 
afford  excellent  food  for  cattle. 

Mini's.  il'ie  county  of  Cab?,rras  contains  a  gold  mine, 
which  has  furnished  the  mint  of  the'  United  Slates,  with 
virgin  gold.  The  extent  of  the  mine  has  not  yet  been  as- 
certained. 

ATineral  Springs.  In  several  counties  are  mineral  sprinps 
of  great  medicinal  virtue.  They  are  impregnated  chiefly 
with  sulphur,  nitre,  and  the  aerial  acid,  and  are  powerful 
in  removing  cutaneous  and  scorbaiic  complaints,  and  cor- 
recliiiir  inditjestions. 

Maiiufaciures.  Excellent  iron  is  manufactured  in  this 
state.     Other  manufactures  are  yet  in  their  infancy. 

Commerce.  The  produce  of  the  back  country  is  chiefly- 
carried  to  South-CaroHna  and  Vnginia.  The  middle 
counties  generally  trade  at  Fayetteville,  the  principal  in- 
land town.  The  exports  from  the  lower  parts,  consist 
ot  tar,  pitch,  turpentine,  rosin,  corn,  lumber,  furs,  tobac- 
co, po)  k,  lard,  tallow  and  wax.  Their  trade  is  chiefly  to 
the  West-Indies  and  the  northern  states. 

Fuhl'ic  Improvements.  A  company  is  iiicorporated  by  the 
concurring  laws  of  this  state  and  Virginia,  to  make  a  nav- 
igable  canal  from  the  head  of  Pasquotank  to  Elizabeth 
river,  tJirough  Gieat  Dii^mal  Swamp. 

Individuals  of  Newbern  have  made  a  navigable  canal 
from  the  lake  in  the  other  dismal  swamp  to  the  head  of 
Skuppernong  river,  5j  miles. 

Education.  The  geneial  assembly  of  the  state  incorpo- 
rated 40  gentlemen,  five  from  each  district,  as  trustees  of 
the  University  of  North-Carolina.  This  university  is 
established  at  Chapel  Hill,  in  Orange  county  ;  it  has  a 
professor  of  sciences,  a  professor  of  languages,  ihiee  tutors, 
and  100  student-. 

There  are  several  very  good  academies ;  one  at  War- 
renton,  one  at  Fayetteville,  &c.  '* 

Cities  and  Chief  2'oivns.  The  city  of  Raleigh  is  the 
.seat  of  government.  The  legislature  of  the  state  has  ap- 
propriated large  sums  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  public 


NORTH-CAROLINA.  203 

buildings.  In  1800,  the  city  contained  cnly  about  81 
kouses,  but  the  number  has  since  much  increased. 

NEWBt  RN  is  the  largest  town  in  t^  state.  It  stands  on 
a  sandy  point  of  l.ind,  formed  by  the  c<influence  of  the 
Neuse  and  Trent  rivers,  and  contains  2467  inhabitants. 

Eden  TON  stands  on  the  north  side  of  Albemarle  sound, 
containing  l.;0  indifferent  wood  houses,  with  a  few  hand- 
some buildings,  and  has  1302  inhabitants. 

Wilmington  is  a  town  of  SOO houses,  and  1689  inhab- 
itants, standing  on  the  east  side  of  the  eastern  branch  of 
Cape  Fear  river,  34-  miles  from  the  sea. 

Hiti-sBOROUGH  is  a  pleasant  inland  town,  180  miles 
northwest  from  Newbern,  with  ^T^  inhabitants. 

Salisbury  Is  agreeably  situated  near  Yadkin  river, 
with  645  inhabitants. 

Fayettevills,  the  largest  inland  commercial  town  in 
the  state,  is  on  the  west  side  of  Cape  Fear  river,  which  is 
navigable  to  this  place,  and  has  1656  inhabitants. 

Halifax,  on  the  banks  of  the  Roanoke;  Washing- 
ton, in  the  county  of  Beaufort ;  Greensville,  so  called 
after  Gen.  Green,  in  Pitt  county;  and  Tarborough  in 
Edgecomb  county,  are  the  other  chief  towns. 

Curiosities.  The  Arrarat,  or  Pilot  Mountain,  draws  the 
attention  of  every  curious  traveller,  in  this  part  of  the 
state.  It  i's  discernible  at  the  distance  of  60  or  70  miles, 
overlooking  the  country  below.  It  was  anciently  called 
the  Pilot,  by  the  Indians,  as  it  served  them  for  a  beacon, 
to  conduct  their  routes.  On  approaching  it  a  grand  dis- 
play of  nature's  workmanship,  in  a  rude  dress,  is  exhibited. 
From  its  broad  base,  the  mountain  rises  in  easy  ascent, 
like  a  pyramid,  near  a  mile  high,  to  where  it  is  not  more 
than  the  area  of  an  acre  broad ;  when,  on  a  sudden,  a 
Tast  stupendous  rock,  having  the  appearance  of  a  large 
castle,  with  its  battlements,  erects  its  perpendicular  height 
to  upwards  of  300  feet,  and  terminates  in  a  flat,  which  is 
generally  as  level  as  a  floor.  To  ascend  this  precipice, 
there  is  only  one  way,  which,  through  cavities  and  Bssuics 
of  the  rock,  is  with  some  diflicuty  and  danger  effected, 
when  on  the  summit,  the  eye  is  entertained  with  a  vast 
delightful  prospect  of  the  Apalachian  mountains,  on  the 
north,  and  a  wide  extended  level  country  below,  on  he 
sbatii ;  vhik  the  streams  of  the  Yadkin  and  Dan,  on  the 


204> 


SOUTH-CAROLINA. 


right  and  left  hand,  are  discovered  at  several  distant  pli- 
ces,  winding  tlieir  way,  through  the  fertile  low  grounds, 
towards  the  ocean.    ^ 


SOUTH-CAKOLINA. 


ISxient.  SOUTH-CAROLIN A  extends  from  thirty- 
two  to  thirty-five  degrees  north  latitude,  and  from  four 
to  nine  degrees  west  longitude  ;  200  miles  long  and  125 
broad,  containing  24,000  square  miles. 

Boundaries.  Bounded  no-rth  by  North- Carolina  ;  east 
by  the  Atlantic  ocean  ;  south  and  southwest  by  Georgia. 
In  form  this  state  nearly  resembles  a  triangle,  which  ex- 
tends along  the  Atlanti<:  ocean  more  than  200  miles  ; 
-Georgia  on  the  south,  and  Ncrth-Carollna  on  the  north, 
approximate  to  eacJi  other  aboiit  300  miles  from  the  sea- 
coast,  so  as  nearly  to  foriti  an  angle  inclosing  the  whole 
state. 

Divisions  and  Popu/aflan.  This  state  is  naturally  divided 
into  what  is  termed  Upper  and  Lower  Country.  Its  civil 
divisions  are  the  following  28  districts,  the  subdivisions  of 
which  are,  in  some,  called  p.  rishes   in  others  counties. 


Districts.               No.  inhabitants. 

Districts. 

No. 

inhabitants. 

Charleston 

C;:,i7d 

Lancafter 

6,318 

Chester 

11,479 

Edgefield 

23,I€0 

Spartanburgli 

14, 2.'-)  9 

Georgetown^ 

15,679 

Laurens 

J  4,982 

Horry 

5 

4,349 

Marlborough^ 

4,966 

Barnwell 

12,280 

Darlington      V 

9,047 

Abbeville 

21,156 

Chesterfield    J 

5,564 

Ker.<;haw 

9,867 

Union 

1Q,995 

Greenville 

JS.ISS 

Fairfield 

11,857 

Sumpter 

19P54 

Pendleton 

22,897 

Beaufort 

25,887 

Newberry 

13,964 

York 

10,032 

Marion 

8,884 

Richland 

9,02'? 

Lexington         "y 

6,641 

Colleton 

26,359 

Vi'illiamsbiir^n  C 
O  angeburgh   j 

6,B71 
13,229 

Total 

415,115 

Face  of  the  Country.  The  whole  state  to  the  distance 
of  100  miles  from  the  sea,  is  low  and  level,  almost  without 
a  stone,  and  abounds  with  swamps  and  marshes.  Abofit 
14©  miles  west  of  Charleston,  is  a  tract  of  high  land. 


SOUTH-CAROLINA.  205 

called  The  RiJge,  beyond  which  the  land  continues  risirgj 
from  hills  to  mountains,  to  the  western  terminating  point 
of  the  state. 

Jjays  and  Harbors.  The  only  harbors  of  note,  are  those 
of  Charleston,  Port  Royal,  or  Beaufort,  and  Georgetown. 
Charleston  harbor  is  spacious  and  convenient,  formt-d  'uy 
the  junction  of  Ashley  and  Cooper  rivers.  Winyau  Bay 
is  formed  by  the  union  of  Pedee  and  several  smaller  rivers, 
and  communicates  with  the  ocean,  twelve  miles  below 
Georgetown. 

Rivers  and  Bridges.  The  river  Savannah  washes  the 
whole  extent  of  this  state,  from  nortluvcst  to  southeast. 
The  EdistG  rises  in  two  branches,  from  the  ridge  already 
mentioned,  in  the  interior  of  the  state. 

Santee  is  the  largest  and  longest  river  in  the  state.  It 
empties  into  the  ocean  by  two  mouths,  south  of  George- 
town. A.bout  120  miles  from  the  mouth,  it  branches  in- 
to the  Congaree  and  Wateree.  The  latter  is  also  called 
the  Catabav.'. 

Pedee  river  rises  in  North  Carolina,  wliere  it  is  called 
the  Yadkin,  and  falls  into  Winyau  bay,  at  Georgetown. 

The  rivers  of  a  secondary  size,  are  Wakkama,  Black 
river,  Ashley,  Cooper,  Ashepoo,  and  Combahee. 

Over  Ashley  river,  at  Charleston,  was  completed  a 
bridge,  in  1810,  2100  feet  in  length,  and  including  the 
causeway,  nearly  a  mile,  SO  feet  wide.  The  principal  ar- 
chitect was  Mr  William  Mills,  of  Massachusetts.  Anoth- 
er w.is  built  over  the  Congaree,  which  has  been  carried 
avv.iy  by  a  flood. 

Soil  and  Prodiicfions.  The  soil  is  of  various  kinds,  well 
suited  to  the  production  of  grain,  nasture,  and  timber.  In 
the  low  country  is  cultivated  Indian  corn,  and  in  the  back 
eountry,  tobac.  -i,  wheat,  rye,  barley,  oats,  hemp  flax,  cot- 
ton and  silk.  They  have  oranges  and  figs,  a  few  lime 
and  lemon  trees,  pomegranates,  pears,  and  p e;)c])es.  1  he 
wster  melon  is  r.ii'.ed  here  in  ptrftctvui.  This  st.ite  pro- 
duces a  great  variety  of  medicinal  he)bs,  and  roots,  and 
uncommon  trees,  too  numerous  to  be  noticed  in  ihis  wc^rk. 
The  whole  country  is  overrun  with  spontaneous  grapes. 

Minerals  and  Fossils.  This  cf)Untiy  abounds  with  pre- 
cious ores,  ^uch.  as  ^oid,  siher,  lead,  and  biack  lead,  top- 
per,  and  iron.      1  here  are  likewise  to   be  found  pellucid 


206  SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

stones  of  different  hues ;  rock  crystal,  pyrites,  petrified 
iubstances,  coarse  cornelian,  marble  beamifully  variegat- 
ed, vlireous  stones,  and  viireous  sand  ;  red  and  yellow 
ochres,  pottei's  clayof  a  most  delicate  texture,  fuller's  earth, 
and  a  number  of  dye-stuffs  ;  likewise  an  abundance  of 
chaik.  crude  alum,  sulphur,  nitre,  vitriol,  and  along  the 
banks  of  rivers  large  quantities  of  marie  maybe  collected. 
Manufactures.  In  the  middle  and  .upper  districts,  the 
people  manufacture  tlieir  ov.n  cotton  and  woollen  cloths, 
and  mosL  of  iheir  implements  of  husbandry.  The  manu- 
faeture  of  indigo  is  important  and  productive.  Large 
quantities  of  iron  are  made  in  some  parts. 

Commerce.  The  principal  articles  exported  from  this 
slate,  are  rice,  cotton,  tobacco,  skins  of  various  kinds, 
pitch,  tar,  rosin,  turpentine,  myrtle  wax,  lumber,  naval 
stores,  cork,  leather,  pink  root,  snake  root,  ginger,  &c. 
In  the  most  successful  seasons,  there  have  been  140,000 
barrels  of  rice  exported.  Formerly,  1,300,000  pounds  of 
indigo  were  exported  in  one  year  from  this  state.  None 
is  now  cultivated.     Cotton  has  laken  its  place. 

Pul'ic  Improvements.  Under  this  head,  beside  the  bridg- 
es already  noticed,  may  be  mentioned  a  canal,  uniting  the 
Santee  with  Cooper's  river,  21  miles  long,  of  vast  utility. 
Other  canals  are  in  forwardness,  designed  to  connect 
tlie  Edisto  with  the  Ashley,  and  the  Savannah  with  the 
Edisto. 

A  road  from  Soutii-Carolina  to  Knoxville  in  Tennessee, 
■icross  the  mountains,  is  opening  under  the  patronage  ot 
the  legislatures  of  the  two  states. 

Customs  and  Manners.  The  Carolinians  are  generally 
affable  and  easy  in  their  manners,  and  polite  and  attentive 
\o  strangers.  The  ladies  want  the  bloom  of  the  north,  but 
^ave  an  engaging  solcness  and  delicacy  in  their  appear- 
vmce  and  manners. 

Hunting  is  the  most  fashionable  amuscmient  in  this  state. 
A-t  this,  the  country  gentlemen  are  extrem.ely  expert,  and 
with  surprising  dexterity  pursue  their  game  through  th-e 
woods.  Gaming  is  more  uisccuntenarced  among  fash- 
ionable people  in  this,  than  in  any  of  the  other  southern 
states.  T\\  ice  a  year  statedly,  a  class  of  sportive  gentle- 
man, in  this  and  the  r.e-gliboring  states,  have  their  hcrte 
races. 


SOUTH-CAROLINA.  207 

Likraiare  and  Education.  Literature  has  not  made  such 
rapid  advances  in  this,  as  in  the  northern  states.  Many 
gentlemen  now  send  their  sons  to  New- England  for  their 
education. 

There  are  several  useful  literary  institutions  in  Charles- 
ton, one  at  Beaufort,  and  several  others  in  different  parts 
Oi  the  stale.  Three  colleges  have  lately  been  incorporat- 
ed by  law  ;  one  at  Charleston,  one  at  Wiiinsborough,  the 
other  at  Cambridge.  Tiie  Mount  Sion  college  at  Winns- 
borough  is  supported  by  a  respectable  socieiy  of  gentle- 
men, who  have  long  been  incorporated.  This  institution 
flourishes,  and  bids  fair  for  usefulness.  The  college  at 
Camlirldge  is  no  more  than  a  grammar  school.  That 
the  literature  of  this  st;ite  might  be  put  upon  a  respectable 
footing  noihhig  is  wanted  hut  a  spiiitof  enterprise  among 
its  wealthy  inhabitants.  S outh-Camlina  college  is  estab- 
libheJ  at  Columbia,  whicli  is  a  respectable  thriving  insti- 
tution, patronized  by  the  state,  who  gave  50,000  dollars 
toward  erecting  buildings,  and  6000  dollars  per  annum 
lor  the  support  of  the  faculty. 

Charltjl!i  and  other  S'.cielh's.  These  are  the  Orphan  House, 
South  Carolina  Mount  Sion,  Library,  and  St.  C^^cilia  So- 
cieties— a  society  for  the  relief  of  the  widows  and  orphans 
of  clergymen,  two  Bible  societies,  one  at  Charleston,  the 
other  at  Beaufort,  a  Missionary  society,  aMedicil  society, 
a  Musical  society,  and  a  society  for  the  ir.formation  and 
assistance  of  persons  emigrating  from  foreign  countilcs, 
and  the  South-Carolina  Agricultural  society.  At  Beau- 
fort on  St.  Helena  are  several  chaiitable  societies,  design- 
ed principally  for  the  education  of  poor  children. 

Citii's  and  Toivns.  'Vhe  city  of  Charleston,  much  the 
largj,t  in  the  state,  stands  on  the  point  of  land  formed  bv 
the  cor.fluence  of  .Ihhley  and  Cooper  rivers.  It  contains 
2-l-,71  1  inhabitants,  and  in  point  of  numbers,  ranks  as  tl;e 
fifth  city  in  the  United  States.  The  public  buildings  aio 
an  exchange,  state  house,  theatre,  ar.mory,  p^or  house, 
3  churches  for  Lpiscop.ilians,  2  for  Congregatlonalists,  V, 
for  Prcbbyterians,  1  for  Baptists,  2  for  German  Lutherans, 
2  for  the  Methodists,  1  for  French  Protestants,  1  for  Oua- 
kers,  1  Roman  Catholic  Chapel,  and  a  Jewish  synagogue. 

Charleston  is  divided  into  thirteen  wards,  wiiich  choo.?f 
as  many  wardens,  from  among  whom  the  citi'/cr.':  e!ecl  a:. 


208  SOUTH-CAROLINA. 

Intendant  of  the  city.  'Die  Intendant  and  Wardens  form 
the  city  council,  who  have  power  to  make  and  enforce  by- 
laws fur  the  regulation  of  the  city. 

Beau  FORT, on  Port  Royal  Island, is  a  pleasant  little  town 
of  about  120  houses.  Tlie  Episcopalians,  Congrcgarion- 
alisis,  and  Baptists,  have  each  a  house  for  public  worship, 
iiere  is  a  Library  society,  who  have  above  1000  well  se- 
lected books.  Here  is  a  colletje  and  grammar  school, 
i  ne  tunds  of  the  college  amount  to  about  7i),000  dollars. 

Columbia,  the  seat  of  government  stands  just  below 
the  junction  of  Saiuda  and  Broad  rivers,  on  the  Conga- 
ree."  The  puf)lic  offices  liave, however,  in  some  instances, 
been  divided,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  inhabitanio 
of  the  lower  counues,  and  a  branch  of  each  retained  in 
Ciiarieston.     Thi:  college  aJdi  importance  to  this  place 

Camden",  on  the  Wateree,  northwest  of  Santee  hills,  is 
regularly  built,  upon  a  good  plan  ;  but  a  small  part  of  it 
only  is  yet  executed. 

PiTRYsBu?,G  is  a  hilly  village,  17  miles  above  Savann:fh, 
Oil  the  north  bank  of  tlie  river  of  the  same  name. 

Jack  SON  BOROUGH,  Orangeburg,  Winng  borough,  and 
C^MB^iuGE  are  all  inconsiderable  villages  of  from  'SO  to 
(jO  it '.veiling  houses. 

Indims.  I'he  Catabaws  are  the  only  nation  of  Indians 
in  this  state.  They  have  but  one  town,  called  Catabaw, 
:5'tuated  on  Cata'.jaw  river,  which  contains  about  \50  in- 
habitants, of  whom  150  are  fighting  men. 

hlavAs.  Tlie  sea  coast  is  bordered  with  a  chain  of  fine 
i,aa  isl.md::,  aronnd  which  the  se.i  flows,  opening  an  excel- 
lent in'and  n^.vigation  for  the  conveyance  of  produce  to 
market.  The  principal  of  these  are  Bull's,  Dewee's,  and 
.S^iliivan's  islands,  which  form  the  north  part  of  Charles- 
ton harbor.  James,  John's  Wadmelav/,  Port  Royal,  St. 
Helena,  Laly's,  Paris,  and  the  Hunung  Islands,  five  or 
si\  in  number,  Hilton's  iriead,  Plnkney's,  Bull's,  Dawfus- 
kies,  and  som^^  smaller  islands 

The  soil  of  these  islands  i:  -incrally  better  adapted  to 
the  culture  of  cotton,  than  th-  main,  and  less  suited  to  rice. 
The  natural  gtowih  is  the  live  oak,  which  is  excellent  for 
ship  timbers  ;  and  the  palmetto,  or  cabbage  tree,  the  utilir 
ty  of  vvliich  in  the  construction  of  forts,  was  experienced 
durin":  the  late  war. 


GEORGIA. 


i09 


GEORGIA. 


Extent.  THE'State  of  Georgia,  so  called  in  honor  oi 
King  George  II.  of  England,  extends  from  31®  to  35'' 
N,  latitude,  and  from  5  to  10°  40'  W.  longitude,  260 
miles  long,  and  250  broad. 

Boundaries.  It  is  bounded  east  by  the  Atlantic  ocean  ; 
south  by  Florida  ;  west  by  the  Missisippi  territory  j  noith 
and  northeast  by  South-Carolina. 

Divisions  and  Population.  That  part  of  the  slate  wliich 
has  been  laid  out  in  counties,  is  divided  into  four  districts, 
Eastern,  Middle,  Western,  and  Southern,  which,  in  1810, 
were  subdivided  into  38  counties. 


Counties. 

Population. 

Counties. 

PopulatioB. 

Wayne 

61<J 

Clarke 

7,628 

Camden 

3,941 

Jackson 

10,569 

Glynn 

3,417 

Franklin 

10,815 

M'lutosh 

3,739 

Elbert 

12,]5G 

Liberty 

6,228 

Lincoln 

4,555 

Bryan 

2,827 

Wilkes 

14,887 

Bulloch 

2,30.5 

Walton 

1 ,026 

EfTiiigham 

2,586 

Jones 

8,597 

Chatham 

3,540 

Randolph 

7  573 

Columbia 

11,242 

JVIorjran 

8,369 

Warren 

8,7  25 

Greene 

1 1,629 

Jefferson 

6,11  I 

Putnam 

16,079 

Burke 

10,858 

Baldwin 

6,356- 

Scrivca 

4,447 

Wilkinson 

2,154 

Washington 

9,940 

Laurens 

2,218 

Montgomery 

2,954 

TeU'air 

744 

Tatnal 

2,206 

Pulaski 

2,098 

Richmond 

6,189 

Twiggs 

8,405 

Hiincciclc 

13,330 

Ojjlethorpe 

12,'297 

1 

'otal      452,433 

Face  of  the  Country.  The  eastern  pai  t  of  the  state  is  per- 
fectly level,  witliout  a  hill  or  stone.  Fif.:y  miles  from  the 
sea,  the  land  is  moie  uneven.  I  he  ridges  rise  one  above 
another  into  hills,  and  the  hills  successively  increase  in 
height,  till  they  finally  terminate  in  mountuns.  That 
vast  chain  of  mountains,  which  commences  with  the  Katts 
Kill,  near  Hudson  river,  i;i  t!u-  stat^  of  Nev/-York,  known 
by  the  name  of  tlie  Allegany  and  Apalachain  mountain';- 
S  2 


210  GEORGIA. 

terminates  in  this  state,  about  60  miles  south  of  its  north- 
ern boundary. 

Rivers.  Savannah  river  divides  this  state  from  South- 
Carolina.  It  is  formed  principally  by  the  Tugulo  and 
Keowee,  which  spring  from  the  mountains  It  is  navi- 
gable for  large  vessels  to  Savannah,  and  for  boats  to  Au- 
gusta. 

Ogechee  river,  south  of  the  Savannah,  is  smaller,  and 
nearly  parallel  with  it  in  its  course. 

Alatamaha  has  its  source  in  the  Cherokee  mountains, 
near  the  head  of  Tugulo  ;  thence  it  descends  through  the 
hilly  country,  with  all  its  co:laieral  branches,  and  winds 
rapidly  among  the  hills  250  miles,  and  then  enters  the  flat, 
plain  country,  by  the  name  of  the  Oakmulge  ;  thence, 
meandering  ISO  miles,  it  is  joined  on  the  east  side  by  the 
Ocone,  which  likewise  heads  in  the  lower  ridges  of  the 
mountains.  After  this  confluence,  hijving  gained  a  vast 
acquisition  of  water,  it  assumes  the  name  of  Alatamaha, 
when  it  become*  a  large,  majestic  river,  flowing  wiih  gen- 
tle windings  through  a  vast  plain  forei:t,  nearly  100  miles, 
and  enters  the  Atlantic  by  several  mouths. 

Turtle  river.  Little  Sitilla,  or  St.  lUe,  Great  Sitilla, 
Crooked  river,  and  St.  Mary's,  form  a  part  of  the  southern 
boundary  of  the  United  States.  St.  Mary's  river  has  its 
source  from  a  vast  lake,  or  rather  marsh,  called  Ouaquaph- 
anoqua,  and  fl  )ws  through  a  vast  plain,  and  pine  forest, 
about  150  miles  to  the  ocean,  with  which  it  communi- 
cates between  the  points  of  Amelia  and  Talberi's  islands. 
and  is  navigable  for  vessels  of  considerable  burden  ninety 
miles. 

Lakes  and  Sivamps.  The  lake,  or  rather  marsh,  called 
Ouaquaphanoqua,  lies  between  Flint  and  Oakmulge  riv- 
ers, and  is  180  miles  in  circumference.  It  is  60  miles  long 
from  east  to  west,  and  40  broad.  From  it  issues  the  St. 
Mary's  and  Juan's  rivers. 

Sixteen  miles  from  the  mouth  of  Broad  river,  on  its  S. 
side,  is  Goose  pond,  a  tract  of  about  \^Q  acics,  covered 
with  living  water  about  two  feet  deep.  It  di^^.charges  in- 
to the  river,  and  is  fed  by  two  springs 

Soil  and  Productions.  These  are  not  matei  sally  different 
from  those  of  South-Carolina.  RicC;,  cotton,  tobacco,  silk, 
corn,  potatoes,  oranges,  figs,  pomegranates;  ^;c.    are  pro- 


GEORGIA.  2U 

Juced  by  culture.     Cotton  and  rice  are  the  staple  com- 
modities. 

Medicinal  Springs.  In  the  county  of  Wilkes,  is  a  medic- 
inal  spring,  which  rises  from  a  hollow  tree.  The  inside 
of  the  tree  is  covered  with  a  coat  of  matter,  an  inch  thick, 
and  the  leaves  around  the  spring  are  incrusted  with  a  sub- 
stance as  wliite  as  snow. 

Cobb's  mineral  springs,  in  the  county  of  Jefferson,  are 
famed  for  their  medicinal  virtue,  and  are  much  frequent- 
ed. Thirty  or  forty  houses,  or  cabins  of  logs,  are  built 
for  the  accommodation  of  visitants. 

Commerce  and  Manufactures.  The  chief  articles  of  export 
are  rice,  tobacco,  sago,  lumber  of  various  kinds,  naval 
stores,  leather,  deer  skins,  snakeroot,  myrtle  and  bees  wax, 
corn  and  live  stock.  The  planters  and  farmers  raise  large 
stocks  of  cattle.  In  return  for  the  enumerated  exports, 
are  imported  West-India  gocds,  teas,  wines,  various  arti- 
cles of  clothing,  and  dry  goods  ol  all  kinds ;  from  the  north- 
ern states,  cheese,  fish,  poiatf^s,  apples,  cider,  and  shoes. 

The  people  in  the  lower  counties  manufacture  none  of 
their  clothing,  either  for  themselves  or  their  negroes.  For 
their  wearing  apparelar.d  husbandry  utensils,  they  are  de- 
pendent on  their  merchants,  who  import  ihem  from  Great- 
Britain  and  the  northern  states. 

Education.  The  literature  of  this  state,  which  is  yet  in 
its  infancy,  is  commencing  on  a  plan  which  affords  the 
most  fialteri'g  prospects.  A  seminary,  with  ample  and 
liberal  endowments,  is  instituted  and  organized  at  Athens, 
near  tlie  centre  of  the  state.  An  academy  in  each  county 
is  also  to  be  supported  from  tlie  same  institution,  under 
the  general  superinlendance  and  direction  of  a  president 
and  board  of  trustees,  appointed  for  their  literary  ac- 
complishments, from  the  different  parts  of  the  state,  in- 
vested with  the  customary  powers  of  corporations.  The 
institution,  thus  composed,  is  denominated  The  University 
t>f  Georgia. 

Societifs.  There  is  a  medical  society  in  this  state,  called 
the  Georgia  Medical  society,  a  Bible  society,  Female  Asy- 
lum, Union  society,  for  the  eduration  of  orphan  male  chil- 
dren, an  Agricultural  society,  and  a  pubiic  library. 

Chief  To'wns,  Milledg  t  vi  lle,  che  seat  of  government, 
is  ii>  Baldwin  county,  on  the  b.  W.  bank  of  tlie   Ocone, 


212  GEORGIA. 

160  miles  N.  N.  W.  of  Savannah,  containing  124G  inhab- 
itants. 

Savannah  is  the  largest  town  in  the  state.  It  stands 
on  a  sandy  bluff,  40  feet  above  low  water  mark,  on  the  S. 
side  of  Savannah  river,  18  miles  from  the  bar.  It  is  reg- 
ularly built  in  the  form  of  a  parallelogram,  and  had,  in 
1810,  2490  white  inhabitants,  2  i  95  slaves,  330  free  blacks ; 
in  all  5215.  It  has  eight  places  for  public  worship,  a 
Presbyterian,  Episcopal  Lutheran,  Baptist,  Roman  Cath- 
olic, one  for  the  blacks,  who  have  a  church  of  1400  com- 
municants, and  a  Jewish  Synagogue. 

Augusta,  on  Savannah  river,  144  miles  from  the  sea, 
and  127  northwest  of  Savannah,  has  2476  inhabitant;*. 

Sun  BURY  is  a  small  sea-port  town,  40  miles  south  ward 
of  Savannah,  and  has  a  safe  and  convenient  harbor. 

Brunswick,  in  Glynn  county,  at  the  mouth  of  Tur- 
tle river,  at  which  place  this  river  empties  itself  into  St. 
Simon's  sound.  Brunsvvick  has  a  safe  and  capacious 
harbor. 

Frederica,  on  the  island  of  St.  Simon,  is  the  first  town 
that  was  built  in  Georgia,  and  was  founded  by  General 
Oglethorpe. 

Athens  is  the  seat  of  the  University  of  Georgia,  and 
capital  of  Clarke  county,  near  Louisville. 

Curiosities.  One  of  the  greatest  curiosities  in  this  stale 
is  the  bank  of  oyster-shells  in  the  vicinity  of  Augusta,  90 
miles  from  the  sea.  Oyster-sbells  are  found  here  in  such 
quantities,  that  the  planters  carry  them  away  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  lime,  which  they  use  in  the  manufacture  of 
indigo.  There  are  thousands  of  tons  still  remaining. 
The  circumstance  of  these  shells  being  found  in  such  quan- 
tities at  such  a  distance  from  the  sea,  can  be  rationally  ac- 
counted for  in  no  other  v/ay,  than  by  supposing  that  the 
ocean  formerly  flowed  near  this  place,  and  has  since,  from 
some  unknown  cause,  receded  to  its  present  limits.  It  is 
generally  believed  that  all  the  flat  country  in  the  southern 
states  and  Florida,  was  once  covered  by  the  ocean. 

On  the  banks  of  Little  river,  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
state,  are  several  curious  and  stupendous  monuments  of  the 
power  and  industry  of  th'j  ancient  inhabi'cants  of  this  coun- 
try.    Here  are  also  traces  of  a  large  Indian  town. 


MISSISIPPI.  213 

Ifuilans.  The  Muskogee  or  Crsek  Indians  inhabit  the 
middle  prirt  of  this  state,  and  are  the  most  nuinerous  tribe 
of' Indians  of  any  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States. 
Their  whole  number  is  about  2  ),000  souls,  of  whom  be- 
tween 5  and  6U00  are  gun  men.  They  are  a  hardy,  saga- 
cious, polite  people,  extremely  jealous  of  their  rights. 
They  are  settled  in  a  h!ily,but  not  mountainous  country. 
The  soil  is  Iruitful  in  a  high  degree,  and  well  watered,  a- 
boundin'jj  in  creeks  and  rivulets,  irom  whence  they  are 
called  the  Creek  In.dians. 

Tiie  Choctav.'s,  or  Flat  Heads,  in/iabit  a  very  fine, 
and  extensive  country,  between  the  Alabama  and  Missi- 
sippi  livers,  in  the  western  part  of  this  st'ate.  I'his  nation 
bad,  not  nrianf  years  ago,  43  towns  and  villages,  contain- 
inar  12,123  sOiils  of  which  4', Oil  were  fifrhtint^  men. 

file  Chickasaws  are  settled  at  the  head  waters  of  the 
Tombekbee,  Ivlubile,  and  Yazoo  rivers,  in  the  northwest 
corner  ol  the  .-tate.  They  have  seven  towns.  The  num- 
ber of  souls  w.  this  nation  has  been  reckoned  at  1725,  of 
which  575  are  hghling  men. 

lilanJs.  i'he  chief  islands  on  the  coast  of  Georgia  are 
Skiddaway,  Wassaw,  Ossabaw,  St.  Calherine's,  Frederica, 
Jekyl,  Cumberland,  and  Amelia.  The  latter  is  wahin  the 
bounds  of  East  Florida.  On  Cum  erland  island,  is  the 
splendid  and  deiightful  seat  of  Mrs.  Miller,  widow  of  the 
celebrated  General  Greene.  i'hese  islands  are  surround- 
ed by  n  ivigable  creeks,  between  which,  and  the  main 
land  is  a  large  e.xtent  of  ,salt  m-irsh,  fronting  the  whole 
state,  four  or  five  miles  in  breadth,  intersected  with  creeks 
in  various  directions.  The  islands  have  an  excellent  soil, 
which  yields,  by  cultivation,  large  crops  of  cotton,  corn, 
and  potatoes. 


THE  MISSISIPPI  TERRITORY 

LIES  west  of  the  stale  of  Georgia,  and  is  bounded  oa 
the  north  by  Tennessee  ;  west  by  Missisippi  river,  which 
separates  it  from  Louisiana  ;  south  by  West  Florida.  Of 
this  territory,  the  legislature  of  Georgia  sold,  in  1795,  a- 
bout  tv.'enty-two  miiliqris  of  acres,  to  four  different  compa 


214  MISSISIPPI. 

nies.  The  lands  have  since  been  sold  by  the  original  pur- 
chasers, chiefly  in  the  middle  and  eastern  states.  In  1796, 
the  legislature  of  Georgia  declared  the  laws  of  the  preced- 
ing year,  null  and  void  ;  and  ordered  the  act,  authorising 
the  sale  of  the  Western  Territory,  tOQ;ether  witli  all  the 
records  relating  to  it,  to  he  formally  burnt,  which  was  done 
in  presence  of  the  legislative  body. 

This  territory,  now  erected  into  a  disLinct  government, 
is  divided  into  1 1  counties,  v.'bose  population,  according 
lo  the  census  of  IfilO,  w.is  as  follovvs  : 


Counties. 

Population. 

Counties. 

Populi'.tion. 

Adams 

10,002 

Jeireraon 

4,001 

Ealdwin 

1,427 

Washington 

2,920 

Amite 

4,750' 

Warren 

1,1  14 

Claiborne 

3,102 

Wnyiie 

1,253 

Franklin 

2,M6 

Wilkinson 

5,0G8- 

Madisoa 

4,699 

Total  40,352 

A  considerable  portion  of  the  territory  is  inhabited  by 
tlie  Creek,  Cliickasiiw,  and  Ciioctaw  Indians,  mentioned 
in  thie  description  of  Georgia. 

It  is  intersected  by  a  great  number  of  rivers,  running  in 
every  direction,  the  principal  of  which,  are  the  Yazoo  and 
Loosa  Chitto,  which  fall  into  the  Missisippi  ;  Pearl,  Pas- 
cagoula,  Mobile,  Alabama,  Tombekbee,  Escambia,  and 
Chatta  Hatcha,  which  empty  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  ; 
and  the  Tennessee,  which  falls  into  the  Ohio. 

The  soil  produces  in  great  abundance,  Indian  corn,  rice, 
hemp,  flax,  indigo,  cotton,  pulse  of  every  kind,  and  pas- 
turage ;  and  the  tobacco  made  here  is  esteemed  preferable 
to  any  cultivated  in  any  other  parts  of  America.  Hops 
grow  v/ild  ;  all  kinds  of  European  fruits  arrive  to  great 
p.'rfcction. 

The  climate  is  healthy  and  temperate  ;  the  country  de- 
lightful and  well  watered  ;  the  prospects  beautiful  and 
extensive,  variegated  by  many  inequalities  and  fine  mead- 
ows separated  by  innumerable  copses,  the  trees  of  which 
are  of  different  kinds,  but  mostly  of  walnut  and  oak. 
The  rising  grounds,  which  are  clothed  with  grass  and  oth- 
er herbs  of  the  finest  verdure,  are  properly  disposed  for  the 
culture  of  vines  ;  the  mulberry  trees  arc  very  numerous, 
and  the  winters  sufficiently  moderate  for  the  breeding  of 
silk- worms. 


LOUISIANA.  215 

Clays  of  different  colors,  fit  for  glass  works  and  pottery, 
are  found  here  in  great  abundance ;  and  also  a  variety  of 
stately  timber,  fit  for  house'and  ship  building,  &c. 

Natchez,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Missisippi,  is  the 
capital  of  this  territory,  and  including  St.  Catharine's, 
contained  in  1810,  151  i  inhabitants:  of  these,  833  were 
slaves.  Jefferson,  In  Washington  county,  contained  437 
inhabitants.  Shamburg  and  Steele,  in  this  county,  were 
equally  populous  Coles  Creek,  and  Bale  Palrre,  in  the 
-county  of  Pickering,  Sandy  and  Second  creeks  and  Homo 
Chitto,  in  Adams  county,  are  the  best  settled  parts  of  this 
new  country. 

On  the  head  waters  of  the  Mobile  are  found  oyster- 
shells.  They  are  of  an  astonishing  size,  and  in  such 
quantities  as  to  forbid  the  idea  of  their  being  carried  there 
from  the  sea,  which  is  300  miles  distant.  The  Chicka- 
saws  say  they  were  there  when  their  fathers  came  into  the 
country.     They  use  the  shells  in  making  earthen  ware. 


LOUISIANA. 


THE  boundaries  of  Louisiana  are  not  settled  ;  its  ex- 
tent, of  course,  cannot  be  ascertained.  It  is  estimated, 
however,  to  contain  nearly  a  million  square  miles. 

Divisions.  Louisiana  is  divided  into  two  governments, 
the  slate  of  Louisiana.,  and  the  territory  of  Louisiana. 

The  state  of  Louisiana  comprehends, 

1.  The  country  between  the  Pcrdido  on  the  E.  the 
Missisippi  on  ihe  W.  the  Ibberville  and  the  gulf  on  the  S. 
and  the  Missisippi  territory  on  the  N. 

2.  The  island  of  Orleans,  which  is  the  tract  of  land 
lying  between  tlie  Missisippi  on  the  S.  W.  and  the  Ibber- 
ville and  lakes  Maurepas  and  Ponchartrain,  on  the  N.  E. 
The  Ibberville  is  a  bayau  or  arm  of  the  Missisippi,  vihich^ 
loaves  It  on  the  E.  20S  nnles  from  its  mouth,  according  to 
tlie  course  of  the  river,  and  flows  through  lakes  Maurepas 
and  Ponchartrain,  to  the  gu'f  of  Mexico.  The  island 
stretclics  from  K.  S.  K.  to  W.  N.  W.  in  a  straight  Ijnc, 
about  IGO  mills.     U^  brendth  varies  from  6  to  25  mile?. 


216  LOUISIANA. 

3.  All  the  territory  W.  of  theMissisippi  and  S.  of  lati- 
tude 33°. 

The  territory  of  Louisiana  comprehends  all  the  country 
W.  of  the  Missisippi  and  N  of  latitude  33°. 

The  former  is  bounded  N.  by  Louisiana  and  Missisippi 
territories ;  E.  by  the  Missisippi  and  the  Perdido  ;  JS.  by 
the  gulf  of  Mexico  ;  and  W   by -Mexico. 

The  latter  has  Mexico  on  the  W.  ;  the  state  of  Louisi- 
ana on  the  S.  ;  the  Missisippi,  which  separates  it  from  the 
Missisippi  territory,  Tennessee,  Kentucky,  and  Illinois  ter- 
ritory, on  the  E.  ;  and  unexplored  regions  on  the  N. 

Rivers.  Louisiana  is  watered  by  Red  river,  the  Arkan- 
sas, St  Francis,  and  the  Missouri,  with  a  vast  number  of 
smaller  streams,  which  fall  into  these,  or  the  Missisippi. 

Climate.  During  the  winter  the  weather  is  very  change- 
able. In  summer  it  is  regularly  hot.  The  climate  ''aries 
in  proportion  as  it  extends  northward.  The  southern 
parts,  lying  within  the  reach  of  sea  breezes,  are  not  scorch- 
ed like  those  countries  under  the  same  latitudes  in  Africa, 
and  its  northern  regions  are  colder  than  those  of  Europe 
in  corresponding  latitudes,  with  a  wholesome  serene  air. 

Soil  and  Produelions.  The  soil  of  Louisiana  in  many  parts 
is  rich  and  fertile  beyond  description.  In  its  natural  state 
it  is  covered  with  mulberry,  locust,  sassafras,  walnut, 
hickory,  dog-wood,  oak,  ash,  &c.  with  grape  vines  run- 
ning up  almost  every  tree.  The  face  of  the  country  is 
interspersed  with  large  prairies,  pjoducing  grass,  flower- 
ing plants,  and  strawberries  ;  and  with  cane  swamps  of  a 
hundred,  and  some  of  a  tliousand  acres.  To  judge  of  the 
produce  to  be  expected  from  the  soil  of  Louisiana,  when 
cultivated,  we  must  turn  our  eyes  to  Egypt,  Arabia  Fe- 
lix, Persia,  India,  China  and  Japan,  all  lying  in  the  same 
latitudes. 

Minerals.     Above  the  Nachitoches  is  a  rich  silver  mine. 
Lead,  and  iron  ore,  pit-coal,  marble,  slate,  and  plaister  of  ^ 
Paris  are  found. 

CGtnmerce.  The  exports  of  Louisiana  are  sugar,  cotton, 
indigo,  rice,  furs  and  peltry,  lumber,  tar,  pitch,  lead,  flour, 
horses,  and  cattle. 

From  Jst  January  to  30th  September,  1804,  the  exports 
fwm  New- Orleans  amounted  to  1,600,362  dollars. 


SPANISH  AMERICA.  217 

Population.  The  number  of  inhabitants  in  this  immense 
country,  exclusive  of  Indians,  was  reckoned  in  1800  at 
about  60,000  of  whom  about  13,000  were  slaves.  In 
1810  the  whole  population  was  97j4'01. 

The  number  of  militia  was  about  ten  thousand  men. 

The  inhabitants  of  Louisiana  are  chiefly  the  descendants 
af  the  French  and  Canadians.  There  are  many  English 
and  Americans  in  New-Orleans. 

Learning.     There  are  a  few  private  schools  for  children. 
Not  more  than  half  of  the  inhabitants  are  supposed  to  be 
able  to  read   and  write.     In  general  the  learning  of  the 
-inhabitants  does  not  extend  beyond  those  two  arts. 

Chief  Towns.  New-Orleans  is  the  capital  of  Louisia- 
na It  stands  on  the  eastern  bank  of  the  Missisippi  river, 
ninety. five  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  has  great  advantages 
for  trade.  Before  the  late  cession  of  Louisiana,  to  the 
United  States,  the  inhabitants  were  principally  of  Trench 
extraction  The  officers  of  government  and  the  troops 
were  entirely  Spanish.  Intermixed  with  these  are  now  a 
great  number  of  Americans.  The  inhabitants  amount  to 
SijSa^,  of  u'hom  K^BS-l-  are  slaves. 

There  are  also  a  number  of  Indians,  which  are  wretch- 
ed outcasts  from  the  Tunica,  Alibama,  Chittemachcs,  and 
Atacapas  tribes,  residing  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town. 
They  go  chiefly  naked,  and  exhibit  daily  the  most  disgust- 
ing scenes  of  riot,  intoxication,  and  debauchery.  New- 
Orleans,  in  tlie  licentiousness  of  its  morals,  rivals  the  cor- 
ruptions of  the  old  world. 

St.  Lou.s  is  a  village  of  200 houses,  beautifully  situat- 
ed on  the  Missisippi,  li  miles  below  the  Missouri,  in  lat. 
38  18  N.  Considerable  settlements  are  made  on  the 
banks  of  the  latter  river  for  several  hundred  miles.  This 
town  and  its  districts  contains  5667  inhabitants. 

St.  Genevieve,  73  miles  below  St.  Louis,  is  the  store- 
house of  the  mines  in  its  neighborhood.  Population,  with 
its  district,  4620. 


SPANISH  AMERICA. 

ALL  the  southern  part  of  the  North-American  c 

«ent  belongs  to  Spain,  by  whom  it  was  conquered  and 

T 


218  FLORIDA. 

onized  soon  after  the  discovery  of  the  New  World.  This 
immense  territory  is  bounded  on  the  souib  by  the  isthmus 
of  Darien  ;  on  the  west  by  the  Pacific  ocean  ;  north  by 
unknown  regions  ;  east  by  Louisiana  and  the  gulf  of 
Mexico.  It  extends  in  a  direction  nearly  northwest  and 
southeast  from  9  to  40  north  latitude,  and  spreads  between 
the  5th  and  50th  degrees  of  west  longitude. 

In  describing  the  Spanish  dominions  of  North- America, 
It  will  be  proper  to  consider  them  in  two  grand  divisions, 
Florida  and  Mexico. 


FLORIDA. 

IN  consequence  of  Louisiana  becoming  a  part  of  the 
United  States,  Florida  is  cut  off  from  the  other  Spanish 
provinces.  It  lies  east  of  the  Missisippi,  and  south  of  the 
state  of  Georgia,  being  limited  on  the  east  and  south  by 
the  Atlantic  ocean  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Its  length  is 
about  600  miles  ;  its  medium  breadth  not  more  than  150. 
It  is  yet  undetermined  whether  that  part  of  it,  denominat- 
ed West  Florida,  is  included  in  the  boundaries  of  Louisia- 
na, as  purchased  by  the  United  States,  or  not.  Admitting 
it  to  be  decided  in  favor  of  the  purchase,  the  extent  above 
mentioned  will  be  much  contracted. 

Among  the  rivers  that  fall  into  the  Atlantic,  St.  John's 
and  Indian  rivers  are  the  principal.  Seguana,  Apalachi- 
cola.  Chatta  Hatcha,  Escambia,  Mobile,  Pascagoula,  and 
Pearl  rivers,  which  were  noticed  in  the  preceding  account 
of  the  United  States,  run  through  Florida  into  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico. 

The  climate  of  Florida  is  not  materially  different  from 
that  of  the  southern  part  of  the  United  States. 

The  soil  is  various  ;  but  that  which  is  least  fiuitful  pro- 
■  duces  two  crops  of  corn  in  a  year.  The  forests  abound 
with  wood  of  almost  eveiy  kind  :  white,  red,  and  live  oak, 
laurel  magnolia,  pine,  hickory,  cypress,  and  cedar.  Some 
of  the  live  oaks  aie  from  12  to  20  feet  in  circumference, 
and  contain  a  prodigious  quantity  of  timber.  The  lauiel 
rnolia  is  generally  100  feet  high,  and  some  are  higher, 
flowers  are  on  the  extremity  of  the  braaches,  large. 


MEXICO.  219 

white,  and  expanded  like  a  rose  ;  they  are  from  6  to  9 
inches  diaiieter,  and  have  a  most  delicious  fragran.e. 

St.  Augustine,  the  capital  of  East  Florida,  is  situated 
on  the  sea  coast,  of  an  obiong  figure,  and  intersected  by 
four  streets,  which  cut  each  other  at  right  angles.  The 
town  is  fortified. 

The  principal  town  in  West- Florida  is  Pensacola.  It 
lies  along  the  beach,  and,  like  St.  Augustine,  is  of  an  ob- 
long form.  The  bay  on  which  the  town  stands,  forms  a 
rery  commodious  harbor. 


MEXICO. 

UNDER  this  name  is  included  all  the  remaining  Span- 
ish provinces  in  North  America,  which  are  divided  into 

Old  Mexico,  containing  the  audiences  of  Galicia,  Mex- 
ico, and  Guatemala,  which  are  subdivided  into  22  prov- 
inces. 

New-Mexico,  containing  the  audiences  of  Apacheira 
and  Sonora. 

California,  a  peninsula,  on  the  western  side  of  the  con- 
tinent, being  almost  surrounded  by  the  Pacific  ocean. 
That  part  of  the  sea  which  flows  between  the  peninsula 
and  the  main  land  is  called  the  gulf  of  California. 

Climate.  The  climate  of  this  extensive  country  is  vari- 
ous. The  maritime  parts  are  hot,  and  for  the  mosi  part 
moist  and  unhealthy.  Lands:  which  are  very  high,  or 
very  near  to  high  mountains,  which  are  perpetually  cover- 
ed  with  snow,  are  cold. 

Mountains  and  Rivers.  The  land  is  in  great  part  abrupt 
and  monntamous,  covered  with  thick  woods,  and  watered 
with  large  rivers.  Some  of  these  run  into  the  gulf  of  Mex- 
ico, and  others  into  the  Pacific  ocean.  Among  the  hist 
are  those  of  Alvarado,  Coatzacualco,  and  Tabasco.  A- 
mong  the  latter  is  the  river  Guadalaxara,  or  Great  river. 

Several  of  the  mountains  in  Mexico  are  volcanoes. 

Lakes.  There  are  several  lakes,  which  at  once  embel- 
lish the  country,  and  facilitate  its  commerce.  The  iakes 
of  Nicaragua,  Chapallan,  and  Pazaquaro,  are  among  d.e 
largest.  The  lakes  Tetzuco  and  Chalco  occupy  a  fflvt 
part  of  the  vale  of  Mexico,  which  is  the  fincft  tracToi 


220  MEXICO. 

country  in  New-Spain.  The  waters  of  Chalco  arc  sweet, 
those  of  Tetzuco  are  brackish.  A  canal  unites  them.  The 
lower  lake  (TetzAico)  was  formerly  20  miles  long  and  17 
broad,  and,  lying  at  the  bottom  of  the  vale,  is  the  reservoir 
of  all  the  waters  from  the  surrounding  mountains.  The 
city  of  Mexico  stands  on  an  island  in  this  lake 

Minerals  and  Mineral  IVatcrs.  The  mountains  of  Mexi- 
co abound  in  ores  of  almost  every  kind,  and  a  great  va- 
riety of  fossils.  There  are  en  ire  mountains  of  loadstone, 
and  among  others,  one  very  considerable,  between  Tcoil- 
tylan  and  Chilapan,  in  the  country  of  the  Cohuixcas. 

In  this  country  are  interspersed  many  fountains  of  dif- 
ferent  qualities.  There  are  many  nitrous,  sulphureous, 
vitriolic,  and  aluminous  mineral  waters,  f  some  of  v.'hick 
issue  So  hot,  th^t  in  a  short  time  any  kind  of  fruit  or  ani- 
mal food  may  be  boiled  in  them. 

There  are  also  petrifying  waters,  v/ith  which  they  make 
little  white  smooth  stones,  not  displeasing  to  the  taste  ; 
scrapings  from  which,  taken  in  broth,  or  in  gruel  made  of 
Indian  corn,  are  most  powerful  diaphoretics,  and  are  used 
with  remai  kable  success  in  various  kinds  of  fevers. 

Botany.  However  plentiful  and  rich  the  mineral  king- 
dom of  Mexico  may  be,  the  vegetable  kingdom  is  still 
more  various  and  abundant.  Dr.  Hernandes  describes, 
in  his  natural  history,  about  1200  medicinal  plants,  natives 
of  that  country.  The  fruits  of  Mexico  are  pine-apples, 
plums,  dates,  water  melons,  apples,  peaches,  quinces,  ap- 
ricots, pears,  pomegranates,  figs,  black  cherries,  v/alnuts, 
almonds,  olives,  chesnuts,  and  grapes.  The  cocoa  nut,  va- 
nilla, chla,  great  pepper,  tomati,  the  pepper  of  TobaSco, 
and  cotton,  are  very  common  with  the  Mexicans.  Wheat, 
barley,  peas,  beans,  and  rice  have  been  successfully  culti- 
vated in  this  country.  With  respect  to  plants  which  yield 
profitable  resins,  gums,  oils,  orjuices,  the  country  of  Mex« 
ico  is  singularly  fertile. 

Zoology  Of  quadrupeds  there  have  been  transportedin- 
to  this  country  horses,  asses,  bulls,  sheep,  goats,  hogs,  dogs, 
and  cats,  which  have  all  multiplied.  Of  the  quadrupeds 
that  from  time  immemorial  have  b^en  in  the  country,  some 

«;  >mmon  to  both  the  continents  of  Europe  and  Ameri- 
ome  peculiar  to  the  new  world,  others  natives  only  of 
cingdom  of  Mexico,     Tlie  ancient  quadrupeds,  com» 


MEXICO.  221 

g.iinon  to  Mexico  and  the  old  continent,  are  lions,  tigers» 

'    wild  cats,  bears,  wolves,  foxes,  the  common  stags,  and 

white  stags,  bucks,  wild  goats,  badgers,  pole  cats,  weasels, 

martens,  squirrels,  rabbits,  hares,  otters,  and  rats.  It  is  said 

there  are  200  species  of  birds  peculiar  to  this  kingdom. 

Population.  'l"he  population  ot  all  Spanish  North-Amer- 
ica, before  the  cession  of  Louisiana,  was  computed  at 
about  7,000,000,  of  whom  the  aboriginal  Indians  were 
4,000,000. 

Government.  The  ciyl  government  of  Mexico  is  admin- 
istered by  tribunals  called  audiences.  In  these  courts  the 
viceroy  of  the  king  of  Spain  presides.  His  employment  is 
the  greatest  trust  and  power  -his  Catholic  Majesty  has  at 
his  disposal,  and  is  perhaps  the  richest  government  entrust- 
ed to  any  subject  in  the  world.  The  government  of  this 
country  is  now,  (181:5)  in  an  unsettled  state. 

Religion.  The  Spaniards  have  introduced  here  their 
forms  of  religion,  as  well  as  of  government.  The  church- 
es, chapels,  and  convents  are  very  numerous,  and  richly 
ornamented.  The  priests,  monks,  and  nuns,  of  all  orders, 
make  a  fifth  of  the  white  inhabitants,  both  heie  and  in 
other  parts  of  Spanish  America. 

dues.  Mexico  is  the  oldest  city  in  America,  of  which 
we  have  any  account ;  its  foundation  being  dated  as  far 
back  as  1325.  It  is  situated  in  the  vale  of  Mexico,  on  sev- 
eral islands,  in  lake  Tetzuco,  in  north  latitude  '9  '^G. 
This  vale  is  surrounded  with  lofty  and  verdant  mountains, 
and  formerly  contained  40  eminent  cities,  besides  villages 
and  hamlets.  Concerning  the  ancient  population  of  this 
city,  there  are  various  opinions.  The  historians,  most  to 
be  leiied  on,  say  that  it  was  nearly  9  miles  in  circumier- 
ence  ;  and  contained  upwards  of  00,000  hotibcs,  contain- 
ing each  from  4  to  10  inhabitants.  By  a  late  accurate  enur 
meration,  made  by  the  magistrates  and  priests,  it  appears 
that  the  present  number  of  inhabitants  exceeds  200,000. 

The  buildings  are  of  stone,  and  the  public  eaitices,  es- 
pecially the  churches,  are  rnagaiiicent.  'l^he  city  contains 
immense  wealth,  and,  though  inland,  carries  on  exienbive 
commerce  wilh  Europe,  boulh- America,  and  the  East- In- 
dies  by  means  ol  La  Vera  Cru/.  on  liie  cast,  and  Ajgl^ul- 
co  on  the  west.  The  Spanish  inhabitants  of  Mexico  are 
clothed  in  silk,  their  nats  bc-lng  adorned  wilh  behsot  poid 
T  2 


i222  MEXICO. 

and  roses  of  diamonds  ;  even  the  slaves  have  bracelets  and 
necklaces  of  gold,  silver,  pearl,  and  gems.  The  ladies 
are  distinguished  for  beauty  and  gallantry. 

The  city  of  Mexico   is  celebrated  for  its  floating  gaw^ 
dens,  which  are  made  of  willows  and  marsh  plants,  forni-- 
ed  into  a  platform,  and  twisted  so  firmly  together,  as  t©' 
support  a  coat  of  earth.     They  are  about  8  rods  long  and 
3  wide,  and  their  elevation  from  the  surface  of  the  lake  is 
less  than  a  foot.     On  these  floating  gardens  are  cultivated 
herbs  and  flowers  of  every  description. 

La  Vf.RA  Cruz  is  the  grand  port  of  Mexico,  and  the 
natural  centre  of  the  treasure  that  is  transported  from  A - 
merica  to  Spain.  It  is  situated  on  the  gulf  of  Mexico,  in 
the  eastern  extremity  of  the  province  of  Los  Angelos,  215 
miles  southeast  of  the  city  of  Mexico.  Most  of  its  houses 
are  built  of  wood.  The  nu:nber  of  its  Spanish  inhabitants 
is  about  3000,  It  was  near  this  place  that  Cortes  land- 
ed, in  1518,  when,  being  determined  to  conquer  or  die, 
he  sunk  the  ships  that  transported  him  thither. 

AcAPULCO  is  on  a  bay  of  the  Pacific  ocean,  220  miles 
.southwest  of  Mexico.  It  is  the  chief  port  on  that  sea,  and 
is  dcfevided  by  a  castle.  It  is  a  mart  for  all  the  merchan- 
dize from  the  Philippine  Isles,  and  at  certain  seasons  is 
thronged  with  merchants  from  all  parts  of  Spanish  A- 
merica. 

GuADALAXAR.*,  the  Capital  of  the  province  of  the  same 
name,  is  a  htrge  and  beautiful  city,  built  in  1531.  Il  is  an 
episcopal  city,  and  has  30,0U0  inhabitants. 

Theie  are  many  other  large  cities  in  Spanish  North- 
America,  among  which  are  St.  JagOiChiapa,  St.  Andero, 
Durango,  St.  Fe,  and  St.  Juan,  the  chief  town  on  the 
peninsula  of  California. 

History.  The  empire  of  Mexico  was  subdued  by  Cortes, 
in  the  year  1521.  With  600  men,  18  horses,  and  a  few 
field  pieces,  he  conquered  its  emperor,  Montezuma,  the 
most  poweiful  monarch  of  the  New  world.  Th-is  unfor- 
tunate prince  was  afterwards  killed  by  his  own  followers, 
in  attempting  to  mitigate  their  rage  for  the  insults  he  had 
received  from  the  Spaniards. 

Me  v^as  succeeded  by  his  nephew  Guatimozin,  who,  for 
a  while,  made  a  vigorous  opposition  to  the  assaults  of  Cor- 
res.     After  a  noble  defence,  he  was  also  taken  priscier  j 


SOUTH-AMERICA.  223 

but  not  till  he  had  previously  caused  all  his  treasures  to  be 
thrown  into  the  lake.  Being  put  to  the  torture  to  make 
him  discover  his  riches,  he  bore,  with  invincible  fortitude, 
the  refined  cruelties  of  his  tormentors.  While  extended, 
with  one  of  his  chief  favorites,  on  a  gridiron,  over  burning 
coals,  his  fellow  suffc-rer,  overcome  by  the  violence  of  the 
pain,  turned  .*  dejected  eye  towards  his  master,  as  if  to 
implore  his  permission  to  reveal  the  secret.  But  the  indig- 
nant prince  reproached  his  weakness  by  asking  liim,  "  Am 
I  reposing  on  a  bed  of  flowers  ?"  The  affectionate  minis- 
ter persevered  in  dutiful  silence,  and  died.  Cortes,  asham- 
ed of  a  scene  so  horrid,  prolonged  the  life  of  the  royal  vic- 
tim, fjr  new  indignities.     He  was  afterwards  hanged. 


SOUTH-AMERICA. 

THIS  division  of  America  is  an  extensive  peninsula, 
joined  to  the  northern  division  by  the  Istl;mus  of  Darien. 

Extent.  South-America  extends  from  about  the  l'2th 
degree  north,  to  the  5ilh  degree  of  south  latitude,  with- 
out including  the  island  of  Terra  del  Fuego  ;  making  a 
length  of  about  4G0()  miles.  Its  extreme  breadth  is  3:J40 
miies.  From  this  extent,  however,  it  diminiihes  bo:h  ways. 
Toward  the  southern  extremity,  it  is  veiy  narrow. 

Climate.  The  climate  of  South-America  has  great  va- 
rieties. In  the  southern  parts  the  innabitanls  experience 
s-ivere  fiosts,  and  almost  perpetual  winter.  la  the  torrid 
zur.e,  the  mountains  aie  so  lofty,  that  the  greatest  incon- 
venience is  the  extreme  cold  of  the  mountains,  and  the 
moisture  of  the  plains.  The  provinces  coiitiguous  to  the 
equator  are  subject  to  excessive  heat,  and  to  violent  storms 
of  rain,  thunde.'^,  and  lightning. 

Face  oj  the  Ccuntry.  'I'he  face  of  this  country  is  over- 
spread wich  mighty  rivers,  which  flow  through  immense 
tracts  of  verdure  and  fertility.  Tlie  sea  c«ast  is  very  lit- 
tle broken  by  gulfs  or  inlets,  except  such  as  are  formed  by 
the  rrcuths  of  the  rivers.  Though  a  country  of  spacious . 
plains,  its  mountair.s  me  die  most  lofty  on  the  globe  ;  and 
its  volcanoes,  which  are  numerous,  are  terrible  and  sub- 
.line. 


224  SOUTH-AMERieA. 

Mountains.  The  most  extensive  chain  of  mountains  is 
the  Andes,  which  may  be  traced  the  whole  length  of  JSouth 
America,  from  north  to  south,  4600  miles.  Chimborazo, 
the  highest  point  in  this  chain,  nearly  under  the  equator, 
is  20,2s>0  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and  5000  feet 
higher  than  any  mountain  in  the  eastern  hemisphere.  Ca- 
tapaxi,  a  volcano,  25  miles  southeabt  of  Quito,  is  18,600 
feet  in  height. 

There  are  other  remarkable  chains  of  mountains,  beside 
the  Andes,  which  ran  from  west  to  east.  The  first  is  tiiat 
of  the  Northern  Coast,  between  nine  and  ten  degrees  of 
„  north  laiiiude.  Ihe  highest  points  of  this  chain,  are  14 
or  15,000  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  Several  of  its 
summits  are  covered  with  perpetual  snow,  and  often  pour 
down  torrents  of  boiling  sulphureous  water. 

The  second  range,  or  that  of  Parima,  between  three 
and  seve»  degrees  north  latitude,  is  but  little  known.  It 
stretches  from  the  Andes  east  towards  Popayan,  forming 
numerous  cataracts  in  the  waters  of  the  Oronoko. 

The  third  chain,  or  that  of  Chiquitos,  unites  the  Andes 
of  Peru  and  Chili  with  the  mountains  of  Brazil  and  Para- 
guay. The  highest  summits  are  betv/een  15  and  20  de- 
grees south  latitude. 

Lakes.  South-America  has  no  inland  seas,  and  but  fevr 
lakes,  and  those  are  small  compared  with  the  immense 
Jakes  of  North-America.  In  Amazonia  and  Brazil,  there 
are  none  Titicaca,  in  Peru,  is  the  most  important  piece 
of  water  in  South- America  ;  its  figure  is  oval,  its  circum- 
ference about  240  miles,  and  its  depth  70  or  hO  fathoms. 

Rivers.  The  river  Amazon,  called  also  the  Maragnon, 
•  is  the  largest  river  in  the  world.  A  number  of  rivers 
which  rush  down  with  amazing  impetuosity  from  the  east- 
ern declivity  of  the  Andes,  unite  in  a  spacious  plain,  and 
form  this  noble  river.  In  its  progress  it  runs  3300  miles 
from  west  to  east  across  South  America,  and  falls  into  the 
Atlantic  ocean  under  the  equator,  by  a  mouth  150  miles 
broad.  'It  is  inteispersed  with  a  vast  number  of  islands, 
which  are  too  often  overflowed  to  admit  of  culture.  Some 
of  the  rivers,  which  fall  into  it,  are  very  broad  and  deep. 
The  chief  of  these,  from  the  south  and  southwest,  proceed- 
ing from  the  mouth  westward,  a;  e  Uragua,  Paratina,  Ma- 
deira, Purus,  Yula,  Yuiacina,  Ucayal.     From  the  north 


SOUTH-AMERICA.  ns 

and  northwest,  progressing  from  its  month,  are  Parima, 
Negro,  Yupura,  Issa,  and  Napo.  It  received  the  name  of 
Amazon  from  Francis  de  Orillana,  who  was  deputed  in 
1516,  to  explore  the  courses  of  this  river.  He  penetrated 
to  a  considerable  distance,  and  fought  several  nations  of 
Indians,  till  his  passage  was  opposed  by  a  band  ot  female 
warriors,  armed  with  bows  and  arrows. 

The  second  river  in  size  is  the  Rio  dela  Plata,  or  River 
of  Silver.     It    flows   into  the   Atlantic    ocean   between 

/Capes  St.  Anthony  on  the  south,  and  St.  Mary  on  the 
north,  which  are  about  1.50  miles  apart.  At  some  dis- 
tance above  the  mouth  of  this,  as  vvell  as  of  the  Amazon 
river,  the   shore  cajmot  be   seen  from  the  middle  of  the 

^stream. 

'  It  is  chiefly  composed  of  nvo  great  streams,  the  Parana 
and  Paraguay.  The  navigation  is  dang-emus.  ihe  wa- 
ters are  of  a  petrifying  quality,  and  are  said  to  be  a  spe- 
cific against  rheums  and  defluctions. 

The  Oronoko,  or  Oronoque,  including  its  windings, 
takes  a  course  of  ISiSO  miles,  and  preset  ves  the  freshness 
of  its  waters  twelve  leagues  from  the  mouth  of  that  vast 

.and  deep  channel  within  which  it  was  confined.  It  may- 
be considered  however  as  having  many  mouths,  formed  by 
the  islands  that  lie  before  its  opening  towards  the  ocean. 
This  river  is  remarkable  for  its  regular  risinsj  and  falling, 
once  a  year.  It  begins  to  swell  in  April,  continues  rising 
tor  five  months,  and,  during  the  sixth,  remains  at  its  great- 
est height.  From  October  It  begins  gradually  to  subside 
till  March,  throughout  the  whole  of  which  it  remains  in 
a  fixed  state  of  its  greatest  diminution.  These  alternate 
changes  are  regular  and  invariable. 

The  other  rivers  of  South  America,  belong  more  to  par- 
ticular districts,  in  the  description  of  which  they  will  be 
noticed. 

Botanyy  Zoology^  and  Mineralogy.  The  plants  and  ani- 
mals of  '■  America,  exhibit  the  same  generic  and  spe- 
cific dih  .es  from  those  in  the  old  world,  that  were 
mentionei.  m  the  account  of  the  northern  portion  ot  this 
continent,  but  are  still  more  numerous  and   luxuriant  m 

.  growth,  in  consequence  of  the  gieatei  warmth  »  f  the  cli- 
mate.    In  a  general  view,  it  may  be  remaikt-d   hat  there 

jciisis  in  South-America  several  animals  which  bear  a  simi- 


226  TERRA  FIRM  A. 

larlty  to  kinds  in  the  old  world,  but  are  inferior  in  size; 
Thus,  the  cantiel  has  a  representative  in  the  llama  j  the  hip- 
popotamus in  the  tnpiir  ;  the  lion  in  the  puma,  or  cougar  ; 
the  leopard,  in  the  jaguar.  It  is  affirmed,  however,  that 
the  South-American  tiger  is  as  large  and  formidable  as 
any  heast  of  prey  whatever.  Monkeys  are  extremely  nu- 
merous and  various  in  the  American  forests,  and  there  is 
a  great  variety  of  the  squirrel,  weasel,  and  opossum  tribes. 
The  splendor  of  the  plumage  of  the  birds  is  only  rivalled 
by  that  of  the  birds  of  India.  The  serpents  and  alligators 
«;f  its  streams  and  marshes  are  of  enormous  magnitude. 
In  metallic  treasures,  it  is  well  known  to  surpass  every  re- 
gion, that  of  Mexico  perhaps  excepted. 

D'.vliiont.  The  whole  of  this  extensive  country,  except 
that  occupied  by  the  aborigines,  was  lately  divided  into 
colonial  govemraents,  belonging  to  Spain,  Portugal,  Hol- 
land, and  France.  The  possessions  of  Holland  and  France 
have  fallen  to  England.  Some  of  the  provinces  of  Spain 
have  declare  d  themselves  independent,  and  others  are  in  a 
state  of  revolt,  and  if  Spain  is  subdued  will  certainly  be- 
come independent.  Portugal  is  removed  to  Brazil,  and 
the  province  has  become,  and  probably  will  continue  to  be, 
the  principal  country. 

The  Spanish  territories  are  divided  Into  viceroyaltles, 
•audiences,  provinces,  governments,  departments,  and  mis- 
sions, or  parishes,  established  among  the  Indians.  The 
cnumcratior:  of  them  is  unnecessary.  The  grand  divisions 
are  three  viceroyaltles;  that  of  New. Granada,  on  the 
north  ;  of  Peru,  including  Chili,  on  the  west ;  and  b£ 
Buenos  Ayres,  on  the  southeast. 


TERRA  FIRMA,  or  CASTILE  DEL  ORO, 

The  northernmost  province  of  South- America,  is  140O 
miles  long,  and  700  broad,  situated  between  the  equator 
and  12^  N.  lat.  and  between  15°  £.  and  7°  W.  Ion.  It  is 
bounded  on  the  E.  by  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and  Surinam  ; 
S.  by  Amazonia  and  Peru  ;  W.  by  the  Pacific  ocean  ; 
and  N.  by  the  province  of  Vcraguay,  in  North-America, 
and  the  gulf  of  Mexico,  here  denominated  the  North  sea. 

Name  and  Divisions.       It  is  called  Terra  Firma,  because 


H'^O   <^! 


TERRA  FIRMA.  227 


it  was  the  first  part  of  the  continent  discovered  by  Colum- 
bus. It  is  divided  into  the  provinces  of  Terra  Firma 
proper,  or  Davieo,  Carthagena,  St  Martha,  Venezuela, 
Cumana,  Paria,  New- Granada,  and  Popayan.  The  prov- 
ince of  Daricn  is  a  narrow  isthmus  that  joins  North  and 
South- America,  but  is  generally  reckoned  a  part  of  the 
latter.  It  lie*  in  the  form  of  a  crescent  about  the  great  bay 
of  Panama,  in  the  South  sea,  and  is  400  miles  long.  The 
breadth  is  usually  called  60  miles  from  noith  to  south, 
but  it  is  only  37  miles  broad  from  Porto  Bello  to  Panama, 
the  two  chief  towns  of  the  province. 

Bays  and  Rivers.  On  the  sliores  of  the  Pacific  ocean 
are  the  bays  of  Panama  and  St.  Michael.  In  the  North 
sea  are  Porto  Bello,  Sino,  and  Guiana. 

The  principal  rivers  are  the  Darien,  Chagre,  Santa  Ma- 
ria, Conception,  and  Oronoko.  A  particular  description 
of  the  last  has  already  been  given. 

Climate^  Soilf  and  Productions.  The  climate  here  is  ex- 
tremely hot  and  sultry  during  the  whole  year.  From  the 
month  of  May  to  the  end  of  November,  the  season  called 
winter  by  the  inhabitants,  is  almost  a  continued  succession 
of  thunder,  rain,  and  tempests  ;  the  clouds  precipitating 
the  rain  with  such  impetuosity,  that  the  low  lands  exhibit 
tlie  appearance  of  an  ocean.  Great  part  of  this  country  is 
of  consequence  almost  continually  flooded  ;  and  this,  to- 
gether with  the  excessive  heat,  st)  impregnates  the  air  with 
vapors,  that,  in  many  provinces,  it  is  very  unwholesome. 
The  soil  is  very  different,  the  inland  pans  being  extremely 
rich  and  fertile,  and  the  coast  sandy  and  barren.  It  is  im- 
possible to  view,  without  admiration,  the  perpetual  ver- 
dure of  the  woods,  the  luxuriance  of  the  plains,  and  the 
towering  height  of  the  niountains.  This  country  produces 
corn,  sugar,  tobacco,  and  fruits  of  ail  kinds. 

The  desert  of  Los  Llamos,  like  the  Sahara  of  Africa, 
is  a  prodigious  tract  of  barrenness.  For  2000  square 
leagues  the  level  of  the  country  does  not  differ  five  inches. 
No  vegetation  cheers  this  plain  of  sand  ;  st  rpents  and  rep- 
tiles are  the  only  inhabitants  the  traveller  meets,  for  sev- 
eral days. 

Chief fowns.  Carthagesa  is  the  principal  sea  port 
town  in  Terra  Firma.  It  is  situated  on  the  Atlantic  o- 
cean,  in  north  latitude   10**   31'.     Ihe  bay  on  which  i( 


2-28  PERU. 

stands  is  seven  miles  wide,  from  north  to  south  ;  and  soi. 
smooth,  that  ships  are  no  more  agitated  than  on  a  river,  J 
The  town  and  its  suburbs  are  fortified  in  the  modern  style. 
The  streets  are  straight,  broad,  and  well   paved.     The 
houses  are  principally  brick,  and  one  story  high.     This 
city  is  the  residence  of  the  governor  of  the  province  of 
Cartbagena ;  and  of  a  bishop,  whose  spiritual  jurisdiction' 
extends  over  the  whole  province.     There  is  here  also  a 
court  of  inquisition. 

Panama  is  the  capital  of  Terra  Firma  Proper,  and  is 
situated  in  north  latitude  8°  45',  upon  a  capacious  bay  tO" 
which  it  gives  its  name.  It  is  the  great  receptacle  of  the 
vast  quantities  of  gold .  and  silver,  and  other  rich  mer- 
chandize, from  all  parts  of  Peru  and  Chili  ;  here  they  are 
lodged  in  store  houses,  till  the  proper  season  arrives  to 
transport  them  to  Europe.  * 

PoRTO  Bello  is  situated  close  to  the  sea,  on  a  decliv- 
ity of  a  mountain,  which  surrounds  the  whole  harbor. 
The  convenience  and  safety  of  this  harbor  is  such,  that 
Columbus,  who  first  discovered  it,  gave  it  the  name  of 
Porto  Bello,  or  the  fine  Harbor,  in  north  latitude  9°  SS\ 


PERU 

LIES  south  of  Terra  Firma,  an4^  stretches  along  the 
shore  of  the  Pacific  ocean,  1800  miles.  It  is  bounded 
south  by  Chili,  east  by  the  Andes,  a  grand  natural  limit, 
separating  it  from  vmazonia.  h  lies  between  the  equa- 
tor and  ti5"  south  latitude,  and  spreads  between  15^  east 
and  6"  west  longitude,  though  its  breadth  is  in  no  place 
more  ihan  500  miles. 

Dii-htons.  Peru  is  divided  into  three  provinces,  Quito, 
Lima,  and  Los  Charcos. 

Rivers.  The  Amazon  rises  among  the  Andes  in  Peru  ; 
but  directs  its  course  eastward,  through  Amazonia.  Most 
of  the  rivers  of  the  Andes  run  into  the  Atlantic,  and  can 
hardly  be  considered  as  belonging  to  Peru.  There  are  no 
streams  of  consequence  in  the  ^hole  extent  of  Peru,  that 
fall  into  the  Pacific  ocean. 

Climate.  According  to  the  local  disposition  of  the  coun- 
try, its  higher  low  situation,  we  find  in  Peru  all  the  vaw- 


PEIIU.  "  '22^ 

ciics  of  icnipcratnrc,  from  the  extreme  of  heat  to  Uiat  of 
cpld.  The  plains  are  temperate,  the  beaches  and  villics 
arc  hot,  ami  the  mountuhis  are  covf  red  with  eternal  snow 
and  ice,  while  their  bowels  are  fliniin;^  wiih  fire.  In 
bOnne  parts  of  Peru,  it  never  rains,  which  defect  is  sup- 
plied by  a  g-entle  dew,  widch  falls  every  night.  Other  parts 
are  visited  by  dreadful  tempests,  thunder,  and  iigiuninir. 

S'oi/  and  Productions.  The  inlaud  parts  are  fertile,  but 
the  sea  coast  is  barren. 

This  country  produces  fruits  peculiar  to  the  climate, 
and  most  of  tiiQse  in  Eui'opc.  Tlie  culture  of  maize,  of 
pimento,  and  cotton,  which  was  foinid  established  there) 
has  not  been  neglected  ;  and  that  of  wheat,  barley,  cassa- 
va, potatoes,  sugar,  and  of  the  oUve'and  vine,  is  attended 
to. 

./Iniinala.  The  most  remarkable  animals  in  this  country 
aie  the  Peruvian  sheep,  called  llamas  and  vicunnas.  The 
llama,  in  several  particulars,  resembles  the  camel,  as  in 
the  shape  of  the  ijcck,  head,  and  some  other  parts;  but 
has  no  bunch,  is  muc'n  smaller,  and  is  cloven  footed.  Its 
upper  lip  is  clelt,  like  that  of  a  hare,  ihroup;h  which,  when 
enraged,  it  spits  a  venomous  juice,  that  inflames  the  part 
on  which  it  falls.  The  wool,  with  which  it  is  covered,  is 
of  dlfl'erent  colors,  but  generally  brown.  These  animals 
are  generally  docile,  so  that  the  Indians  use  them  as  beasts 
of  burden.  TiKirf]c;sh  is  esteemed  preferable  to  mutton. 
The  vicunna  resembles  the  llama  \n  shape,  but  is  much 
smaller,  and  its  woal  shorter  and  finer. 

Mines.  Nature  never  clTered  to  the  avidity  of  man- 
kind, in  aiy  country  on  the  globe,  such  rich  mines  as  those 
of  Peiu.  Tl.crc  are  several  gold  mines,  but  those  of  sil- 
ver are  fo\md  all  over  the  country.  Those  of  Potosi  are 
the  most  cc!ebrat<;d. 

Cities  and  Tovjns.  The  city  of  Lima  is  the  capital  of 
Peiu,  and  of  the  whole  Spanish  empire  in  South-America. 
It  is  seated  in  a  delighiigl  valley,  two  leagues  from  the 
fja  ;  and  is  two  n'iles  long,  a;.d  one  broad.^iii,T;htre  arc 
mariy  magnificent  tdifices,  part;cularIy,c|iUrches,  iii  Lima. 
It  is  SAid  to  coniair.  St.OOO  inliahiiants,  who  are  immer.se- 
Jy  rich.  AH  travellers  speak  with  anmzcmcnt  of  the  dec- 
(jralions  (f  gold,  silver,  and  precious  stones,  which  load 
the  walls  of  the  churches. 
U 


* 


230  CHILI. 

Cusco,  the  ancient  capita!  of  the  Peruvian  empire,  lies 
in  a  mounlainous  country,  at  a  distance  from  the  sea,  and 
has  long  been  on  the  decline,  but  is  yet  a  very  considera- 
ble place. 

Quito  is  next  to  Lima  in  population,  if  not  superior  to 
it.     It  is  like  Cusco,  an  inland  citv. 


CHILI 

EXTENDS  along  the  Pacific  ocean,  from  the  south- 
ern boundary  of  Peru,  in  latitude  24  degrees  south,  to  the 
45lh  degree,  being  1460  miles.  Its  breadth  is  about  234 
miles.  Chili  has  Paraguay  and  Tucuman  east,  and  Pata- 
gonia south.  It  contains  378,000  square  miles.  To  this 
must  be  added  Cuyo,  or  Cujo,  east  of  the  Andes,  406 
miles  long  and  402  broad,  containing  163,000  square 
miles. 

Climate  and  Soil.  The  climate  of  Chili  is  one  of  the 
most  delightful  in  the  world,  being  a  medium  between 
the  intense  heat  of  the  torrid,  and  the  piercing  cold  of  the 
frigid  zones.  There  are  few  phices  in  this  extensive 
country  where  the  soil  is  not  exuberantly  rich.  Chili  is 
the  most  opulent  kiigdom  in  America. 

./Ordinal  and    Vt^L-table  Productions.     The   horses  and 
mules  of  Chili  are  in  great  esteem.     Oxen,  sheep,  and    : 
goats  are  faiuned  in  the  luxuriant  pastures.     The  coasts 
abound  with    many   excellent  fish ;    there   are   also  vast 
numbers  of  whales  and  sea  wolves. 

The  soil  produces  Indian  and  European  corn,  hemp, 
grapc«,  and  all  ether  fiuits.  The  European  fruit  trees  < 
are  oljliged  to  be  propped,  to  enable  them  to  sustain  the 
weight  of  the  fruit.  Oiange  trees  are  in  bloom,  and  bear 
fruit  tiirougi  out  the  year.  The  inhabitants  press  a  kind 
of  mu^^cadine  wine  from  the  grapes,  which  far  exceeds  any 
thing  of  the  kind  made  in  Spain. 

Mines.  Mines  of -gold,  silver,  copper,  tin,  quicksilver, 
iron,  and  lead  aliound  in  this  counuy.  Vast  quai.tities  of 
gold  are  washed  down  from  the  mountains  by  brooks  and 
torrents  ;  the  annual  amount  o!  which,  when  manufaclur- 
c^j  is  esiiinated  at  bo  less  than  800,000  dollars. 

)| 
1 


BUENOS  AY  RES.  231 

P ofiulation  and  Militia.  In  1778,  ihe  iiuJjibcr  of  white 
inhabilanis  in  Chiil  was  reckoned  at  80,000  ;  negroes 
140,000  ;  besides  Aborigines,  more  nunnerous  than  both. 
This  r.umber  has  since  much  increased.  The  militia,  in 
1792,  amounted  to  1 5,856  men.  Those  Indians  wh.o  arc 
not  subject  to  the  Spanish  yoke,  are  very  honest  in  their 
commercial  transactions  ;  they  live  in  small  huts.  They 
are  brave  and  warlike,  and  all  tlie  attenipts  of  the  Span- 
iards to  subdue  li.cm  liave  proved  ineffectual. 

ToTjns.  St.  Jago,  the  capital  of  Cliili,  and  llie  scat  of 
{government,  is  90  miles  Iron)  the  ocean,  and  21  iVom  tl.c 
Andes.  It  is  a  large,  handsome  place.  It  contained,  in 
1776,  46,000  inhabitants,  which  have  since  iixreased,  and 
trades  largely  with  IJiitnos  Ayrcs.  '1^'iie  inhabitants  are 
said  to  be  remarka!)iy  polite  and  hoy^pilablc.  Valpakai- 
so,  th.c  port  of  St.  JuLjo,  is  the  most  commercial  ciiy  ju 
Chili,  lat.  33  3  S.  Conception  is  the  second  city  in 
rank  in  Ciiili.     It  had  1J,000  inhabitants,  in  1776. 

Valdivia  stands  between  the  rivers  Callacallcs  and 
Portcro,  where  they  fall  into  the  South  sea.  It  was  built 
!:y  the  Spar.iards,  in  155  1,  and  is  one  of  the  largest  cities 
in  Chili. 

The  chief  town  in   the  province  of  Cuyo  is  St.  John 

1)E  FitOXTIEP.A. 


BUENOS  AYRES 

IS  an  iidand  country,  bounded  north  by  Amazonia, 
cast  by" Brazil,  south  Ijy  Pata.ijonia,  and  west  by  Cliili  ami 
Peru.  It  extends  from  12°  to  37°  S.  hit.  1500  miles  long, 
and  1000  broad.  'J'his  exter.sive  country  has  been  called 
by  various  names  While  attached  to  Peru,  it  was  call- 
ed the  province  of  CharcuH.  It  has  since  been  called 
Parciguuui  and  La  J-'lu'a,  a  name  which  it  t(?ok  from  the 
river  La  PI  ua  At  present  the  most  common  name  is 
the  viceroyaity  of  L'ucjiofi  yii/ren. 

Divisions.  It  is  divuicu  into  six  provinces,  Paraguay, 
Parana,  Gmra,  Ui'aii;na,  Tucuman,  and  Rio  dc  la  Piata. 

Tvn'fTv.  The  country  iswaicrc'd  by  iiinutnerabie  streams 
and  rivers,,  wh.icii  form  the  grand  river  La  Plata,  already 
described, 


23'J  GUIANA. 

Climate.,  S/il,  and  Produce.  From  the  situation  of  tlili 
couiitty,  soii/e  parts  of  it  are  extremely  hot,  from  the  al- 
most venical  influence  of  the  rays  of  the  sun  ;  while  oth- 
er parts  arc-  pleasant  and  delightful.  But  the  heat  is  in 
some  measure  abated  by  the  gentle  breezes,  which  gen- 
erally bes^in  about  nine  or  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and 
continue  the  greatest  part  of  the  day.  Some  parts  of  the 
country  are  very  mountainous ;  but  in  many  others,  arc 
extensive  and  beautiful  plains,  where  the  soil  is  veiy  rich, 
producing  cotton,  tobacco,  and  the  valuable  herb  called 
Paraguay,  together  wii!i  a  variety  of  fruits.  There  arc 
also  rich  pastures,  in  which  are  bred  such  herds  of  cattle, 
that  it  is  said  the  hides  are  the  only  part  exponcd  ;  while 
the  flesh  is  left  to  be  devoured  by  ilie  beasts  of  the  wil- 
derness. 

Paraguay  sends  annually  ir.to  the  kingdom  of  Peru, 
1500  or  2000  mules.  They  travel  over  dreary  descris 
j'or  the  distance  of  S  or  900  leni^ucs.  The  province  (  1' 
i'ucuman  furnisp.es  to  Potosi,  ai.nuaily,  16  or  '8,00.0  ox- 
en, and  4  or  5000  horses,  brongiu  foiih  and  reared  upoa 
its  own  territory. 

C/t!'/  Tovj?2.'}.  BvExos  Ayres  is  the  capital  of  this 
couniiy.  lis  silUalion,  on  the  river  La  Plata,  is  htalihy 
and  pleasant,  and  the  air  temperate.  It  is  regularly  built. 
The  nund)cr  of  iuhabitanls  is  about  oO,0\0.  One  side  nf 
the  town  is  defended  by  a  fortress,  wIlIi  a  garrison  of  six 
or  seven  lumdred  men.  The  town  stands  180  miles  from 
the  sea.     The  access  up  the  rivir  is  very  difficult. 

Monte  Video  stands  on  a  bay  of  t!iC  sam^name,  on 
the  north  side  of  t!)e  river  La  Plata,  20  leagues  above  its 
mouth.  It  lies  cast  of  Hucnos  Ayres,  and  has  its  nauie 
from  a  mountain  which  overlooks  it. 


GUIANA. 

THK  extensive  country  of  Guiana,  or  Carribiaka, 
stretches  along  the  coast  of  the  Atlantic  ocean,  from  iha 
mouth  of  the  river  Oronoko,  to  Cape  North,  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Amazon  river,  between  2°  and  o°  of  north  latitude, 
and  between  J  2°  and  25°  of  east  longitude. 

Divisions.    The  western  part  of  this  country,  called  Sur- 


•GUIANA.  233 

iiiara,  belonged  lately  to  the  Dutch  ;  the  middle  part  to 
the  French,  whose  capital  was  Ca\ennb,  and  fvom  which 
the  whole  territory  received  its  name.  The  eastern  parts 
were  disputed  by  the  French  and  Dutch,  but  the  principal 
places  in  the  country  have  lately  been  taken  by,  and  are 
now  in  possession  of,  the  English. 

Guiana  is  now  divided  into  five  districts,  called  Esse- 
QUEBo,  Demerara,  Berbisch,  StJRiNAM,  and  Cayenne. 
The  tour  first  receive  their  names  from  rivers,  which  run 
through  them,  and  the  last  from  the  city  of  Cayenne,  in 
France. 

Climate  and  Seasons.  In  the  months  of  September,  Oc- 
tober, and  November,  the  climate  is  unhealthy,  particu- 
larly to  strangers.  A  hundred  miles  back  from  the  sea 
is  a  hilly  country,  a  pure,  dry,  wholesome  air,  where  a 
fire  sometimes  would  not  be  disagreeable.  The  seasons 
were  formerly  divided  into  rainy  and  dry  ;  but  owing, 
probably,  to  the  country  being  more  cleared,  and  a  free 
passage  opened  for  the  circulation  of  the  air,  this  distinc- 
tion has  in  a  great  measure  ceased. 

Rivers.  A  number  of  fine  rivers  pass  through  this^ 
country  ;  the  principal  of  which  are  Essequebo,  Surinam, 
Demerara,  Berbisch,  and  Canya.  Essequebo  is  21  miles 
wide  at  its  mouth,  and  is  more  than  300  miles  in  length. 
Surinam  is  a  beautiful  river,  three  quarters  of  a  mile  wide,- 
navigable  for  the  largest  vessels  1 2  mites,  and  for  small 
Tesscls  sixty  or  seventy  miles  further,  hs  banks,  quite 
to  the  water's  edge,  are  covered  with  evergreen  "and  man- 
grove trees,  which  render  the  passage  up  this  river  vei^y 
delightful.  The  Demarara  is  about  two  miles  wide  at  its 
mouth,  opposite  to  the  fort.  This  river  is  navigable  for 
vessels  that  can  pass  the  bar,  upwards  of  100  miles. 

Soil  and  Productions.  The  land  along  the  sea  coast  is 
low  and  marshy,  and  subject  to  inundations  during  the 
rainy  seasons.  The  soil  is  extremely  rich,  producing  cot- 
ton, sugar,  tobacco,  Indian  corn,  ginger,  indigo,  rice, 
fruits,  coffee,  and  other  necessaries  of  life.  In  the  woods 
are  many  species  of  durable  timber,  and  others  highly  val- 
uable for  ornamental  purposes.  This  country  has  never 
experienced  hurricanes,  those  dreadful  scour.e:cs  of  the- 
Wcst-Indies  ;  and  droughts,  from  the  lowncss  of  the  land,. 
U  2 


r 


^3*  GUIANii^ 

it  has  not  to  fear ;  nor  has  the  produce  ever  been  desttdjr*  * 
ed  by  insects,  or  by  the  blast. 

j4ni?nal.i^  Ser/ient^,is^c.  The  woods  abound  with  plenty 
of  deer,  i:ares,  and  rabbits,  a  kind  of  buffalo,  and  two  spe- 
cies of  wild  hogs,  one  of  which  (the  peccaiy)  is  remarka-' 
ble  for  i>a'.ir  5^  something  resembling  the  navel  on  its  back. 

T iic  Moods  are  infested  with  several  species  of  tigers, 
but  with  no  other  ravenous  or  dangerous  animals.  The 
rivers  are  rendered  dangerous  by  alligators.  Scorpions 
and  tarantulas  are  found  here,  of  a  large  size  and  great 
venom,  and  other  insects  without  number,  some  of  them 
very  dangerous  and  trouWesome  ;.  the  torporiiic  eel  also, 
tlie  touch  of  which,  by  means  of  the  bare  hand  or  any  con- 
ductor, has  the  effect  of  a  strong  electric  shock  j.  serpents 
also,  some  of  which  are  venomous,  and  others,  as  has. 
been  asserted  by  many  credible  persons,  arc  from  twenty- 
five  to  fifty  fiiet  long.  In  the  woods  are  monkeys,  the 
sloth,  and  parrots  in  all  their  varieties  ;  also,  some  birds 
of  beautiful  plumage,  among  others,  the  flamingo,  but 
few  or  no  singing  birds. 

C/iicJ'  Towns.  Paramaribo,  situated  in  lat.  6°  north, 
on  Surinam  river,  four  leagues  from  the  sea,  is  the  print 
cipal  town  in  Surinam.  It  contains  about  2000  whites, 
©ne  half  of  whom  are  Jews,  and  8000  slaves.  The  houses- 
are  principally  of  wood  ;  some  few  have  glass  windows^ 
but  generally  they  have  wooden  shutters.  The  streets 
are  spacious  and  straight,  and  planted  on  each  side  with. 
©range  and  tamarind  trees. 

Demaraha,   at  the   mouth  of  the  river  of  the  same;, 
name,  contains  about  1800  white  inhabitants. 

Cayenne  is  the  principal  settlement  in  the  district  of 
that  name  ;  it  is  on  an  island  near  the  coast  It  contain* 
i200  white  inhabitants,  exclusive  of  the  garrison. 

Aboriginals.  The  most  considerable  of  the  Indian  na* 
tions  of  Guiana  are  the  Garibbees,  the  Arvaques,  the  Yaos, 
and  the  Galibis.  The  Charaibes,  or  Caribbees  arc  en- 
terprisingj  and  so  cautious  of  surprise,  that  they  post  out 
45uards  and  centinels,  with  as  much  care  and  art  as  the 
Europeans.  They  arc  said  to  have  been  formerly  canni" 
bals.  The  Galibis  are  a  pacific  people  ;  they  manufac- 
ture hammocks  and  cotton  beds,  and  are  very  ingenious. 
Such  as  are  aeav  the  Europeans  have  leamt  to  handle  fire.* 


BRAZIL.  235 

•iwna.  The  Charaibes,  in  the  West-Indies,  are  thought 
to  derive  their  origin  from  these  nations.  The  Charai- 
bes of  Guiana  still  fondly  cherish  the  tradition  of  Sir 
Waher  Raleigh's  alliance  ;  and  to  this  day  preserve  the 
English  colors,  which  he  left  with  them  at  parting  about 
200  years  ago. 


BRAZIL 

COMPREHENDS  all  the  Portuguese  settlements  in 
America,  and  is  situated  between  the  equator  and  35  de- 
grees south  latitude.  A  line  drawn  from  the  mouth  of 
the  Amazon  to  the  mouth  of  the  La  Plata,  not  far  from 
the  1.5th  degree  of  E.  longitude,  would  nearly  correspond 
with  its  western  boundary,  from  which  it  extends  east- 
ward to  about  40  degrees  east.  Its  length,  from  north  to 
south,  is  2500  miles  ;  its  breadth,  700  It  is  surrounded 
en  all  sides  by  the  mouths  of  the  rivers  Amazon  and  La 
Plata  and  the  Atlantic  ocean,  except  the  west,  where  it  is 
bounded  by  Amazonia  and  the  Spanish  possessions. 

Divisions,  It  has  three  grand  divisions  ;  the  northerir, 
which  contains  eight  provinces  or  captainships  ;  the  mid' 
die  wiiich  has  five  ;  and  the  southern,  which  has  three  j- 
in  all  sixteen  provinces. 

Bays,  Hnrborsy  and  Rivers.  These  are  the  harbors  of 
Pernambuco,  All  Saints,  Kio  Janeiro,  the  port  of  St.  Vin- 
cent, the  Harbor  of  Gabriel,  and  the  port  of  St.  Salvador. 
There  is  a  great  number  of  noble  streams,  which  unite 
with  the  rivers  Amazon  and  La  Plata  ;  beside  others, 
which  fail  into  the  Atlantic  ocean. 

Climate.)  Hail,  and  Productions.  The  climate  of  Brazil 
is  temperate  and  mild,  when  compared  with  that  of  Afri*- 
ea  ;  owing  chiefly  to  the  refreshing  wind,  which  blows 
continually  from  the  sea.  The  air  is  not  only  cooi  but 
chilly,  through  the  night ;  so  that  the  natives  kindle  a  tire 
every  evening  in  their  huts.  As  the  rivers  in  this  countiy 
annually  overflow  their  banks,  and  leave  a  sort  of  slime 
upon  the  land,  the  soil,  in  many  places,  is  amazingly  rich. 
The  vegetable  productions  are  Indian  corn,  sugar  canes, 
tobacco,  indigo,  hides,  ipecaquanha,  balsan>,  Brazil  wood  j 


2S5  BRAZIL. 

the  last  is  of  a  red  color,  hard  and  dry,  and  is  chieffy  used 
in  dying,  but  not  the  red  of  the  best  kind.  Here  is  also 
the  yellow  fustic,  of  use  in  dying  yellow  :  and  a  beautiful 
kind  of  speckled  wood,  made  use  of  in  cabinet  work. 
Here  are  five  different  sorts  of  palm  trees,  some  curious 
ebony,  and  a  great  variety  of  cotton  trees.  "^ 

This  country  abounds  in  horned  cattle,  which  are  hunt- 
ed for  their  hides  only,  20,000  being  sent  annually  into 
Europe.  There  is  also  a  plenty  of  deer,  hares,  and  other 
game.  Among  the  wild  beasts  found  here,  are  tigers, 
porcupines,  janouveras,  and  a  fierce  animal  somewhat 
like  the  greyhound  ;  monkeys,  sloths,  and  the  topirassoUi- 
a.  creature  between  a  bull  and  an  ass,,  but  without  horns, 
and  entirely  harmless ;  the  flesh  is-  very  good,  and  has 
the  flavor  of  beef.  There  is  a  numberless  variety  of  fowl, 
•wild  and  tame,  in  this  country. 

Mines.  There  are  gold  mines  in  many  parts  of  this 
country,  which  have  been  wrought  with  considerable 
profit  to  the  government.  There  are  also  many  diamortU 
mines,  which  have  been  discovered  here  ;  they  are  of  all 
colors,  and  of  almost  every  shade. 

Commerce.  The  trade  of  Brazil  is  very  great,  and  in- 
creases every  year.  Thty  import  40,000  negroes  annu- 
ally. The  exports  from  Brazil  are  diamonds,  sugar,  to- 
bacco, hides,  drugs  and  medicines  ;  and  they  receive  in 
return,  woollen  goods  of  all  kinds,  linens,  laces,  silks,  hats, 
lead,  tin,  pewter,  copper,  iron,  beef,  and  cheese.  They 
also  receive  from  Madeira  a  great  quantity  of  wine,  vine- 
gar, and  brandy  ;  and  from  the  Azores,  25-000/.  worthof 
other  liquors. 

Chief  Towns.  St.  Salvador  is  the  capital  of  Brazil. 
This  city,  which  has  a  noble,  spacious,  and  commodious 
harbor,  is  built  on  a  high  and  steep  rock,  havins^  the  sta 
on  one  side,  and  a  lake  forming  a  crescent  on  the  other. 
The  situation  makes  it,  in  a  manner,  impregnable  by  na- 
ture ;  and  they  have  besides  add^d  to  it  very  strong  forti- 
fications. It  is  populous,  magnificent,  and  beyond  com- 
parison, the  most  gay  and  opulent  city  in  all  Brazil. 

Rio  Janeiro  is  a  rich  and  populous  city,  having  many- 
elegant  churches  and  other  buildings,  situated  within  a 
large  bay,  and  containing  200,000  inhabitants. 

Religicn,     Roman  CaihoUu 


AMAZONIA.  237 

JVatives.  The  native  Brazilians  are  about  the  size  of 
the  Europeans,  but  not  so  stout.  They  arc  subject  to 
fewer  distenopers,  and  are  long  lived.  They  wear  no 
clothing. 

History,  life.  The  Portuguese  discovered  this  country 
in  the  year  1500,  but  did  not  plant  it  till  the  year  1549, 
uhcn  thty  took  possession  ot  All  Sahits  Bay,  and  built 
the  ciiy  ot"  St.  Salvador,  which  is  now  the  residence  of  the 
vic^  loy  a-nd  archbishop.  The  Dutch  inviulcd  Brazil,  in 
1623,  and  subdued  the  northern  provir.ccs  ;  but  the  Poitu- 
guesc,  ai^reed,  1661,  to  pay  the  Dutch  8  tons  of  gold  to  re« 
iiiiquish  tiicir  interest  in  tliis  country,  Avhich  was  accepted. 
Tl'.c  Por'ui^uese  remained  in  peaceable  possession  of  all 
Bi  r:z;l,  till  about  the  (  nd  of  1762  ;  wh.cn  the  Spanish  gov- 
eriiincnt  of  Buenos  Ayres,  hearing  of  a  war  between  Por- 
tu:^ai  and  Spain,  took,  after  a  month's  siege,  the  Portu- 
guese ficntier  fortress,  called  St.  Sacrament  ;  but,  by  the 
f.caiy  of  peace,  it  was  restored.  In  18G7,  the  regent  and 
K.yal  family  of  Poitugal  emigrated  to  Brazil,  where  Uve 
Pcriugucse  monaixhy  is  now  established. 


AMAZONIA. 

THIS  large  country  has  never  been  perfectly  explored 
by  any  European  nation.  It  is  supposed  to  be  about  14\J0 
miles  long,  and  900  broad  ;  situated  between  the  equator 
and  20  decrees  south  latitude.  It  is  bounded  riorth  by- 
Ttrra  Firma,  and  Guiana  ;  east  by  Brczii  ;  south  by  Pa>- 
aguay  ;  and  west  by  Peru.  It  receives  its  name  from 
the  river  Amazon,  which,  with  its  innumerable  branches, 
waters  the  whole  territory. 

The  air  is  cooler  in  this  country  than  could  be  expected, 
considerir.g  it  is  situated  in  the  middle  of  the  torrid  zone. 
This  is  partly  owing  to  the  heavy  rains,  which  occasiou 
the  rivers  to  overflow  their  banks  one  halfof  th.e  year,  aiid 
partly  to  the  cloudiness  of  tie  weather,  which  obscures 
the  sun  a  great  part  of  the  time  he  is  above  the  horizon. 
During  the  rainy  season,  the  country  is  subject  to  dread- 
I'ul  storms  pi  thunder  and  lightning. 

The  soil  is  extremely  fertile,  producing  cocoa  nuts,  pine 
apples,  bananas,  plantains,  and  a  great  variety  of  tropical 


238  PATAGONIA. 

fruits  ;  cedar,  red  vood,  pak,  ebony,  log  vrood,  sugar 
canes,  cotton,  potatoes,  balsam,  honey,  8cc.  The  woods 
abound  4vith  tigers,  wild  boars,  and  game  of  various  kinds; 
the  rivers  and  lakes  with  fisli  The  crocodiles  and  water 
serpents  render  fishing  a  dangeroos  employment. 

The  natives  of  Amazonia  are  of  a  good  stature,  have 
handsome  fcatuies,  long  black  hair,  and  copper  complex- 
ions. They  spin  and  weave  cotton  cloth,  and  build  tlicir 
houses  with  wood  and  clay,  and  thatcli  them  with  reeds. 
Their  arms  arc  darts  and  javelins,  bows  and  arrows,  witli 
targets  of  canes  or  lish  skins.  The  several  nations  are 
governed  by  their  chiefs,  or  caciques. 

In  reading  the  history  of  Souih-Amcrica,  it  is  pkasing 
to  I'eflcct  that  ai!y  part  of  ii  has  escaped  the  ravages  of 
European  conquerors.  Amazonia  vc-.r.ains  unt^ubdued  ; 
and  tlie  oiiginal  inhabitants  still  enjoy  their  native  fiee- 
dom  and  indcpct;dence. 


PATAGONIA. 

THIS  country  Is  less  known  tlian  any  other  part  of 
Souih-Amci  ica.  It  lies  south  of  Paraguay  and  Chili,  and 
is  bounded  east  by  the  Atiamic  occau  ;  sotith  it  is  divided 
from  Terra  del  Fucgo  by  the  stiaiis  of  Magellan,  leading 
into  the  Pacific  ocean,  whieh  limits  it  on  the  west. 

The  climate  is  much  colder  in  i!iis  country  than  in  the 
north,  utidcr  the  same  parallels  cf.latiiude.  It  is  almost 
impossible  to  say  what  tne  soil  would  produce,  as  it  is  not 
cultivated  by  tb.e  natives.  The  northern  parts  are  cover- 
ed with  wood  ;  but.  towards  the  south,  there  is  not  a  sin- 
gle tree  large  enough  to  be  of  use  to  mechanics.  There 
are  good  pastures,  which  feed  incredible  numbers  of 
horned  cattle  and  liorses. 

There  are  some  rivers  and  bays  on  the  coast  of  this 
country,  but  they  are  little  known. 

Patagonia  is  inhabited  by  a  variety  of  Indian  tril)es,  a- 
mong  which  are  the  Patagons,  from  whom  the  country 
takes  its  name  ;  the  Pampas  and  the  Cossores.  They  all 
live  upon  fish  and  game,  and  what  t!ie  earth  produces 
spontaneously.  Their  huts  are  tliatched,  anB,  notwith- 
standing the  rigor  of  the  climate,  they  wear  no  otKer 


SOUTH-AMERICAN  ISLANDS.  239 

clothes  than  a  mantle  made  of  seal  skin,  or  the  skin  of  some 
beast,  and  that  they  thiow  oft'  when  they  are  in  action. 
They  are  exceedingly  havciy,  brave,  and  active,  making 
use  of  their  arms,  which  are  bows  and  arrows  headed  with 
flints,  with  amazing  dexterity.  They  always  bury  their 
dead  on  t!ie  eastern  shores,  lookii;g  towards  the  country 
oitiieir  fatJicrs.  They  arc  supposed  to  have  emigrated 
oiigmally  from  Africa. 

The  Spaniards  once  built  a  fort  upon  the  straitsof  Mag- 
ellan and  left  a  garrison  in  it,  to  prevent  any  other  Euro- 
pean nation  from  passing  that  way  into  the  Pacific  ocean  ; 
but  most  of  the  men  perished  by  hunger,  ".  iicnce  the  place 
obtained  tlic  name  of  Port  Famine  ;  since  that  fatal  event, 
no  nation  has  attempted  to  plant  coloui'  s  i..  Patagonia. 

As  to  the  reliiyion  or  government  of  tnc  Paiagonitins, 
we  have  no  certain  information.  Sf>me  have  reported 
that  they  believe  in  invisible  powers,  both  good  and  evil  ; 
aiid  that  they  pay  a  tribute  of  gratitude  to  the  one,  and 
deprecate  the  wrath  and  vengeance  of  the  other. 


SOUTH-AMERICAN  ISLANDS. 

THE  Falkland  Isles  lie  near  the  straits  of  Magellan, 
a  little  to  the  northeast  of  the  utmost  extremity  of  South- 
America,  between  31°  and  53°  S.  lat.  and  between  21* 
and  2.5°  of  E.  Ion.  They  were  discovered  by  Sir  Richard 
Hawkins,  in  1594  ;  the  chief  of  the  two  islands,  he  called 
Hawkins's  Maidenland,  in  honor  of  queen  Elizabeth. 
J'he  soil  of  these  islands  is  bad,  and  the  shores  are  beat  by- 
perpetual  storms.  A  British  settlement  was  made  here, 
of  which  they  were  soon  after  dispossessed  by  the  Span- 
iards, 1770.  The  Spaniards  now  send  criminals  from 
their  settlements  on  the  continent  to  these  inhospitable 
bliorcs. 

Terra  del  Fueoo,  or  Land  cf  Fire,  lies  at  the  south- 
ern extiemity  of  South-America,  IS  separated  from  the 
main  on  the  uorih,  by  tlie  straits  of  Magellan,  and  conuins 
about  42)n(,0  square  miles.  Ii  consists  of  several  isl:.n  Is, 
which  receive  tl  is  ramc  oh  account  of  the  vast  fires  and 
smoke  which  t  e  first  discovert  rs  of  tin  m  perceived.  The 
island  of  hilalen  Land  les  oii  the  eabt  of  the  principal  isl- 


240  SOUTH- AMERICAN  ISLANDS. 

and.  They  are  all  barren  and  mountainous  ;  but  there 
have  been  found  several  sorts  of  trees  and  plants,  and  a 
variety  of  birds  on  the  lower  grounds  and  islands,  that  are 
sheltered  by  the  hills.  Here  are  found  winter's  bark,  and 
a  species  of  arbutus,  which  has  a  very  well  tasted  red 
fruit,  of  the  size  of  small  cherries.  Plenty  of  celery  is 
found  in  some  places,  and  the  rocks  are  covered  v,'ith  ve- 
ry fine  muscles.  A  species  of  duck  is  here  met  with  ; 
also  geese  and  falcons.  The  natives  are  of  a  middle  stat- 
ure, with  broad,  fiat  faces,  high  cheeks,  and  flat  noses. 
They  are  clothed  in  the  skins  of  seals.  The  villages  con- 
sist of  a  few  miserable  huts,  in  the  form  of  a  sugar  loaf. 
The  only  food  seems  to  be  shell  fish.  Though  these  coun- 
tries are  only  in  latitude  56  degrees  south,  they  are  cold- 
er than  Lapland  in  70  degrees  north. 

Georgia.  To  the  eastward  of  Terra  del  Fuego,  in  lat- 
itude 54  degrees  south,  and  about  39  30  east  longitude, 
is  a  cluster  of  barren  islands,  called  Southern  Georgia. 
One  of  them  is  between  50  and  60  leagues  in  length.  It 
is  a  dismal  region,  the  land  of  ice.  The  vales  are  desti- 
tute of  shrubs  ;  coarse  grass,  burnet,  and  linchen  are  the 
only  vegetables. 

ChiLoe,  1 50  miles  long,  and  2 1  broad,  is  separated  from 
the  coast  of  Chili  by  a  narrow  sea,  forming  a  bay.  It  is 
between  42  and  44  degrees  south  latitude.  The  island 
produces  all  necessary  provisions.  Ambergris,  in  great 
quantities,  is  found  on  the  coast.  It  has  an  indifferebt 
fort,  called  Chocas.  Castro,  the  chief  town,  stands  be- 
tween two  brooks)  with  a  small  castle,  which  commands 
the  harbor.     I'he  houses  are  few  and  scattered. 

Juan  Fernandes  is  situated  in  the  Pacific  ocean,  530 
leagues  west  of  the  continent,  latitude  33  degrees  south, 
longitude  4  degrees  west.  It  is  supposed  to  have  been 
inhabited  by  a  Spaniard,  whose  name  it  retains,  although 
long  since  abandoned  by  him  and  his  nation.  It  is  more 
remarkable  for  having  been  the  residence  of  Alexander 
Selkirk,  a  Scotchman,  whose  life  and  adventures  furnish- 
ed materials  for  the  celebrated  novel  of  Robinson  Cruscc. 
The  harbor  is  in  Cumberland  bay,  on  the  north  side  of  the 
island.  It  is  represented  by  iliose  who  have  visited  it,  as 
an  earthly  paradise.     On  the  .southwest  is  a  small  isle, 


WEST-INDIES.  2il 

^.alled  Goat  Island,  and  a  rock,   called  Mokkey  Key, 
almost  contiguous  to  it. 

Massafueko,  called  by  the  Spaniards  the  Lesser  Juan 
Fernandes,  lies  22  leagues  west  by  south  of  the  last  men- 
tioned island ',  on  the  north  side  is  good  anchorage  for 
shipping. 

WI?ST-INDIES. 

IN  that  immense  gulf,  which  flows  between  North  and 
South-America,  lies  a  multitude  of  islands,  which  at  the 
lime  of  their  first  discovery,  were  called  the  West-India 
islands,  on  the  supposiiion  that  they  extended  so  as  to 
form  a  connection  v/ith  those  of  the  East-Indies.  The 
fallacy  of  the  supposiiion  was  soon  discovered  ;  but  the 
name  is  still  retained,  to  prevent  confusion  in  geograph- 
ical accounts  of  the  islands.  They  lie  in  Ihe  form  of  a 
semicircle,  and  stretch  almost  from  the  coast  of  Florida 
to  the  mouth  of  the  river  Oronoko,  in  South-America. 

The  climate  in  ail  the  West-India  islands  is  nearly  the 
same,  allowing  for  these  accidental  differences  which  the 
several  situations  and  qualities  of  the  lands  themselves 
produce.  As  they  lie  within  the  tropics,  and  the  sun  goes 
quite  over  their  heads,  they  would  be  continually  subject- 
ed to  an  extreme  and  intolerable  heat,  if  the  trade  winds 
did  riot  blow  in  upon  them  from  the  sea,  and  refresh  tho 
air,  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  enable  them  to  attciio  their 
Qonceras,  even  under  the  meridian  sun.  On  ih-^  other 
hand,  as  the  night  advances,  a  breeze  begins  to  be  per- 
ceived, wliich  blows  smartly  from  the  hind,  as  it  were 
from  the  centre,  towards  the  sea,  to  all  poihis  of  the  com- 
pass at  once. 

The  rains  make  the  only  distinction  of  seasons  in  the 
West-Indies  ;  the  trees  aic  always  green.  They  have  no 
(old,  no  frost,  no  snows  ;  the  storms  of"  hail  are,  however, 
very  \iolent  when  ilicy  happen. 

The  gravid  .staple  conuuodity  ol' the  West-Indies  is  su- 
gar. The  juice  of  the  sugar  cane  is  the  most  lively,  ex- 
iccllent,  and  t!'c  kast  cloying  sv/cct  in  nature. 

The  islands  of  the  West-Indies  are  generally  distributed 
by  navigators,  iir.o  four  ciubtcrs,  called  The  i3^\iiAMASi 
W 


342  WEST-INDIES. 

The  AxTiLLEs,Thc  Virgin  Isles,  and  The  CAnrnREES. 
The  Aniiilcb  are  sometimes  divided  into  two  classes,  tle- 
liOJDinattd  TheGRp:ATand  Little  Antilles.  AlUlicse 
islands,  except  Hispaniola,  which  is  independent,  belong 
to  Great-Britain,  France,  Spain,  and  Denmark.  As  the 
usual  distinction  of  Eiu'opean  possession  is  fleeting  and 
uncertain,  we  shall  consider  the  principal  of  these  islands, 
in  their  order,  iVom  LiOrlh  to  south. 

THE  BAHAMA  ISLANDS, 

CALLED  by  the  Spaniards  LrcvYos,  lie  between  S3 
and  27''  of  N.  I'at.  and  between  2°  L.  ai;d  6°  W.  Ion.  e.nd 
tornprchend  all  the  isles  to  the  north  of  Cuba  and  His- 
paniula.  They  are  about  500  in  number  ;  some  of  them 
arc  only  locks  ;  others  are  very  low  and  narrow,  or  little 
bi'-ots  of  land  almost  on  a  level  with  ilie  water  ;  but  12  of 
(.hem  arc  large  and  fertile.  Five  or.ly  are  inhabited,  viz. 
Providence,  Harbor,  Cat,  Eleuthra,  and  Exuma.  Tuik's 
island  has  about  500  men  on  it  during  the  salt  season,  but 
most  of  tr.cm  return  to  tlie  (jthcr  isles.  The  piiiu  ipul  isl- 
and, which  has  given  its  name  to  il^e  whole  cluster,  is 
Cireat  Baliama,  whose  ■^iu'.aticji,  is  about  20  lea;.:ucs  from 
the  coast  of  Florida,  from  which  it  is  separnt'-d  by  the 
strait  of  Daiiama,  or  gulf  nf  Floiida.  Auibergris  is  found 
on  the  coasts  of  these  islands.  The  inhabitants  catch  great 
3iuml)cr&  of  green  tuitle.  The  only  article  cultivated  for 
cxportaiion  is  cotlon.  'j'lu  y  produce  great  quantities  of 
dyihg-  V.  cods,  and  some  lignumvitse  and  mahogany,  'i'heir 
cliiei  c(;mm.erce  consists  in  furnishing  with  provisions 
such  ships  as  are  driven  in  by  bad  weather. 

One  ci  ilKsc  isK;i:('s,  Ciuau'jhani,  or  Cat  Island,  is  cele-* 
l.ratcd  as  beir.g  tl.e  first  ^  pot  of  t!;e  new  world  descried 
by  Coiunibus,  wi  o,  as  a  n.emcrial  of  deliYerar.cc,  gave  it 
the  appellation  of  Si..  Sa)\  ador.  These  islands  Avere  then 
full  oi  inhabitants,  \vh:0  were  sin^plc  and  miid,  ar,d  lived 
liap])y  in  the  midst  of  plenty.  'I'hcse  Unfortunate  people 
were  transported  to  tb.c  miiits  of  St.  Domingo,  after  the 
Sj.aiiiards  had  destroyed  tl:C  inhabiiar.ts  of  thai  large  isl- 
and ;  so  tliat  iou;  teen  years  aft(  r  their  discovery,  not  a 
person  was  left  on  one  of  the  Balian.as.  Ch.aries  II.  after- 
■».ar(h  5!,T«\lcd   thcrntothe  propiieto:.':  of  Carolina,  who 


WEST-INDIES.  ei-5 

built  the  town  ot  Nassau,  on  the  island  of  riovklcncc, 
M-hich  is  now  tlie  scat  of  governmciit.  The  SijaiTuids 
and  Americans  c:ip'.ured  these  is'.ur.cis,  diirinp;  ihc  Amcr- 
ican  war,  but  they  were  retaken,  in  1782,  and  arc  still  £ul> 
ject  to  Great-Biitain. 

THE  ANTILLES. 

TO  the  soiuh'.varcl  of  the  Ilahamas  lie  ilie  AniilicK,  ex- 
tendinej  froin  18  to  2-i  clcp;rcea  norih  Uiiiiiulc.  'Vhc  mo:-;t 
remarkahlc  of  ihcm  aie  Cuba,  Jamaica,  llis'^j.ti.ioia,  rant 
Pui  to  Rico. 

Cuba  i:i  the  most  valuable  island  of  all  tl^.c  S^KUiih!! 
Wesl-Indies,  and  is  sl.u.ued  between  20  ai^d  '23  chr^rec- 
norlh  Ir.iitndc,  and  bcf.VL  t.n  1  degree  cast  and  10  degi'ee';. 
vest  loni^iiude  ;  100  luilcs  sou'Ii  (if  cap:;  Fio'.ida.  1:  i ; 
nearly  700  miles  in  leiv^t'.i,  ain!  abtnil  70  i:;  !;'.'La;l',h.  A 
chain  of  hiils  rui^s  ti.rov!L;h  t!ie  mi^idic  of  l';e  ida;.d  fron^ 
cast  to  west-  It  prcduves  ail  the  comn'.odi;!^  i  known  in 
the  Wcst-Indics,  particularly  yinijcr,  lotipj  pepper,  ar.d  o!.!> 
cr  spices,  cassia,  ti.-.tula,  mastic,  aloes,  tobacco,  and  sui^ar. 
'i'ht  princip;d  pait  of  the  plantations  are  on  tiiC  beautiful 
plains  of  Ilivt.niia,  and  arc  cuhivaleil  by  about  23,000 
blives.  Tlic  other  inhabitants  ainomit  to  about  30,000. 
The  course  of  the  livers  is  too  short  to  be  of  any  conse- 
quence to  navit^i' io;-.  ;  but  there  arc  several  ^ood  ha'.  bor;i 
in  the  island,  which  belong  to  the  prir.cipal  towii-,  IL-.van- 
na,  St.  Jaqo,  Santa  Cruz,  and  La  'i'l  inidad.  'i"hei-e  arc 
a  vast  r.umh'cr  of  small  isks  round  this  i.oblc  island,  the 
ciiannels  separating;  which,  as  well  as  the  livers  in  the 
island,  abound  with  iish.  In  the  woods  ai'e  sotne  very  val- 
uable trees,  particularly  cedars,  so  large,  it  i ,  sa"d,  tliat 
canoes  nradc  of  ih.ern  will  hold  50  men.  The  hills  arc 
rich  in  mines,  and  in  some  of  the  Jivers  tiiere  is  gold  dust, 
lice  are  also  fuur.tains  of  biiumen. 

liavanna.  the  capital  of  Cuba,  isaplace  of  grcatstrength 
and  importance,  coiitaining  2000  houses,  and  a  number  oi 
church.es  and  convents. 

Tills  island  was  discovered  by  Colnnd)us,  in  1492.  It 
was  taken  possession  of  L/ the  Spaniards,  in  ijll,  v.d.o 
soon  extermii-.ated  t!ic  mild  and  peaceable  iiauves,  to  th^c 
amovirt  of  500,000. 


214  WEST.  INDIES. 

Jamaica,  belonging  lo  Great-Britain,  and  one  of  the 
THost  valuable  appendages  lo  tb.at  crovvn»  is  30  leagues 
south  of  Cuba.  The  ceiurc  of  the  iblantl  is  in  lat.  18  \2 
north,  and  Ion.  1  36  west  ;  it  is  150  miles  long,  and,  on  a 
medium,  40  broad. 

This  island  is  intersected  with  a  vldge  of  steep  rocks, 
from  whieh  isbue  a  VuSt  nund)er  of  small  livers  of  pure, 
■wholesome  water,  wb.ich  fall  down  in  cataracts,  Init  nono 
are  navigable  for  marine  vessels.  Ti;e  Blue  Mountain 
Peak  rises  7431  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  Sug?r  is 
the  greatest  and  most  valuable  production  (>f  tr.is  island, 
it  produces  also  cocoa,  ;^'inger,  pimento,  <;r  as  it  is  called, 
Jari'.aica  pepper,  and  vidgarly  allspice  ;  the  wild  cinna- 
mon ;  the  iTiachineel,  v.'liosc  fruit,  though  uncommonly  de- 
lightful to  'he  eye,  cor. tains  one  of  the  worst  poisf  s  in  i;:i- 
ture  ;  llie  cabbage  tree,  reniarkable  far  its  hcighl,  and  for 
the  hardness  of  its  wootl,  which,  v.  hen  dry,  is  inconuptiblc, 
iind  hardly  yields  to  any  kind  cf  tool  ;  the  palma,  affurd- 
Ing  oil,  much  esteemed  by  the  negroes,  both  as  food  and 
liiedicine  ;  th.e  soap  tree,  whose  berries  un.^wer  all  the 
purposes  of  washu-.g  ;  the  mcmgrove  and  oiivc  bark,  useful 
lo  tanners  ;  the  fustic,  redwood,  and  logwocd.  Jamaica 
can  boast  of  a  botanical  garden,  containing  Cr.e  rarest  col- 
U'Ction  of  curious  trees  and  plants  perhaps  in  th.e  world. 

This  island  was  originally  a  part  of  the  Spanish  cmpirc 
J!i  America.  It  was  reduced  uiider  the  British  dondni-^i^, 
iu  1656,  and  ever  sin.ce  has  been  subject  to  Grcat-Briti.ia. 
h  is  subject  to  earthquakes  and  huiricancs,  ■which  have 
iione  it  incredible  damage.  Kingston  is  the  capitrd,  and 
<  ontains  1660  houses,  beside  negro  huts  and  ware-houses. 
It  is  a  place  of  great  trade  and  opulence. 

HisFAxioLA,  or  St.  Domi.ngo    lies  at   th.e   entrance  of 
the  gulf  of  Mexico,  betv.'cen  \7  and  2i  degrees  north  lat- 
itude, and  between  I  and  8  degrees   cast  longitude  ;  450 
miles  long  and  150  broad.     Th-e  face  (^f  the  country  pre- 
sents an  agreeable  variety  of  h.ills,  vallies,  woods,  and  riv- 
ers.    It  is  extremely  fciaile,  producing  sugar,  cotton,  indi- 
;,'.o,  tobacco,  ir.aize,  ar.d  cassava  loot.     The  European  cat-   , 
lie  arc  so  multiplied  here,  that  they  run  wild  in  the  woods.   \ 
The  two  great  chains  of  mountains,   which   extend   from    j 
I'ast  to  west,  and  their  numerous  spurs,  give  rise  to  innu-    ; 
'iucriible  rivers,   repel  the  violence  cf  the  winds,  vaiy  the   ; 


WEST-IMJIES.  243 

temperature  oi  \he  air,  and  multiply  the  resources  of  hu- 
man industry.  They  abound  with  excellent  timber,  and 
mines  of  iron,  lead,  copper,  silver,  gold,  some  precious 
stones,  and  mercuiy. 

Hispaniola  was  the  cradle  of  European  power  in  the 
new  world.  Columbus  landed  on  it  the  6th  of  December, 
1492.  The  natives  called  it  Hayti,  signifying  high  or 
mountainous  land  ;  it  was  also  called  Quisgueya,  tl-at  is, 
great  conntry,  or  mother  of  countries.  Others  say  it  had 
the  name  oi  Bohioy  which  means  a  country  full  of  habita- 
tions and  villages.  Columbus  called  it  His/iOJiiola,  or  Lit- 
tle Spain,  which  name  the  Spaniards  still  retain,  though 
St.  Domingo  is  the  name  commonly  used  by  other  nations  ; 
so  called  from  St.  Domingo  the  capital,  which  was  thus 
named  by  Columbus,  in  honor  of  his  father.  When  the 
Spaniards  discovered  the  island,  there  were  on  it,  at  least, 
a  million  of  happy  inhabitants,  who  were  reduced  to  60,000 
in  the  short  space  of  15  years  !  It  formed  5  kingdoms,  each 
governed  by  caciques.  The  names  of  these  kingdoms  were 
Maqua,  Marien,  Higuay,  Maguana,  and  Xaraguay.  The 
Spaniards  had  possession  of  the  whole  island,  for  120 
years,  when  tliey  Avere  compelled  to  sliare  it  with  the 
Frencli.  About  the  year  1793,  an  insurrection  began  a- 
mnng  the  negroes,  which,  after  the  most  horrid  scenes  of 
bloodshed  and  cruelty,  has  terminated  in  the  expulsion  oi 
the  French  from  almost  all  parts  of  tlic  island,  and  the  es- 
tablishment of  a  government,  administered  by  r.egroes. 
A  negro  chief,  named  Dessalincs,  has  assumed  the  litlo 
of  Emperor  of  Hayti,  and  the  island  is  nov/  chiefly  under 
his  control. 

The  principal  Frencli  town  was  Cape  Franrcis,  v/hich; 
before  its  destruction,  in  1793,  contained  8'JUO  people. 
The  city  of  St.  Domingo,  at  the  same  time,  contained 
20,000. 

PoHTo  Rico,  belonging  to  Spain,  is  20  leagues  E.  S. 
E.  of  St.  Domingo,  100  miles  long,  and  40  broad.  Th.e 
lands  arc  beautifully  diversified  Vriih  woods,  valleys,  and 
phiins,  and  are  very  fruitful,  yielding  the  same  produce 
as  the  other  islands.  Gold,  which  first  induced  the  Span- 
iards  to  settle  here,  is  i.o  iouf^er  found. 

The  capital  town,  whicii  is  called  Porto  Rico,  is  on  p 
'jUiall island, joined  to  the  muhi  isle  by  a  c?usevav,  exf^nf'- 

^v  2 


246  WEST-INDI£S. 

ing  across  the  harbor.  It  is  large  and  well  built,  the  see 
of  a  bishop^  and  so  well  defended  as  to  be  almost  impreg- 
nable. 

THE  VIRGIN  ISLES 

ARE  a  groiip  of  small  islands,  extending  over  a  space 
of  about  24  leagues  from  east  to  west,  and  16  from  north 
to  south,  and  nearly  approach  the  east  coast  of  Porto  Rico> 
They  belong  to  seveial  European  powers,  but  chiefly  to 
Great- Britain  and  Denraaik. 

THE  CARIBBEES 

EXTEND  in  a  semicircular  form,  from  thcf  island  of 
Porto  Rico,  the  easternmost  of  tiie  Antilles,  to  tlic  coas^ 
of  South-America.  The  sea,  thus  enclosesl  l>y  the  maiu 
land  and  the  isles,  is  eallcd  the  Caril^bcan  sea  ;  and  ita 
great  channel  leads  northwestward  to  tlie  liead  of  the  guif 
of  Mexico,  through  the  sea  of  Honduras.  The  chief  of 
these  islands  are  Santa  Cruz,  Sambuca,  Anguilla,  St. 
Martin,  St.  Bartholomew,  BarLuda,  Saba,  St.  Eustatia,  St> 
(>hristophtr,  Nevis,  Antigua,  Montscirat,  Guadaloupc,^ 
Deseada,  Mariagalante,  Dominico,  Mariinico,  St.  Vin- 
cent^ Rarbadocs,  and  Grenada.  These  are  classed  into 
WiNSWAHD  and  Lkkward  IstES,  by  seamen,  with  re- 
gard to  the  usual  courses  of  the  ships  from  Old  Spain,  or 
the  Canaries,  to  Carthagena,  or  New-Spain,  and  Poito 
Bello. 

Barbadoes,  belonging  to  the  English,  is  the  most 
easterly  ol  all  the  Caribbees,  and  one  of  the  most  popu- 
lous spots  on  the  earth.  Its  extent  is  not  more  than  20 
xniles  by  13,  yet  it  contains  16,000  whites,  and  6009 
blacks. 

Martinique  is  the  residence  of  the  governor  of  all  the 
French  West-Indies.  Guadai.oupe,  which  also  belongs 
to  the  French,  is  the  largest  of  the  whole  group. 

Trinii>ai>,  though  not  one  of  the  Caribbees,  may  be 
^opeily  noticed  in  this  place.  It  lies  near  the  coast  of 
Terra  Firma,  .36  leagues  long  and  18  or  20  broad.  Be- 
side the  products,  common  to  the  West-Indies,  this  island 
iias  a  remarkable  lak^e  of  pe|roleun»>  or  fossil  oil,  v/bicl* 


EUROPE.  21-7 

affords  a  valuable  object  of  exportation,  as  being  the  best 
preservative  of  the  bottom  of  ships,  fi  cm  the  worms  which 
are  so  destructive  lo  them,  in  the  West-Indies  and  other 
warm  climates.  Trinidad  was  settled  by  the  Spaniards, 
but  has  been  ceded  to  England. 


EUROPE. 

Extent.  EUROPE  is  much  the  smallest  of  the  four 
grand  divisions  of  the  globe.  Its  length  tVom  the  rock  of 
Lisbon,  in  10  degrees  west,  to  the  Uialian  mountains,  in 
60  degrees  east  longitude  from  Greenwich,  is  about  3300 
miles.  Its  breadth  from  cape  Nord,  in  Danish  Lapland, 
latitude  72  degrees,  to  cape  Matapar  in  Giccce,  ladiude 
36  degrees  north,  is  about  2350.  It  contains  2,500,000 
square  miles. 

Jiciaidaries.  Europe  is  bounded  on  the  cast  I^y  Asia  ; 
south  by  the  Mediterranean,  vviiich  separates  it  ft  om  Afri- 
ca ;  west  it  has  the  Atlantic  ocean,  which  contains  the 
most  westerly  European  isle,  that  of  Iceland  ;  north  it  is 
limited  by  the  Arctic  ocean,  embracing  the  remote  isk» 
of  Spitzbcrgen  and  Xova-21cn)bia,  or  the  New  Land,  the 
most  northern  land  yet  discovered. 

Climate.  Though  great  diversiiics  of  climate  undoubt- 
edly exist  in  Europe,  yet  the  extreme  of  cold  only  is  felt. 
The  heat  is  in  no  part  comparable  to  that  of  the  tonid 
zone,  from  which  even  its  most  southern  provinces  aie  far 
distant.  It  lies  principally  in  the  northern  temperate 
zone  ;  a  small  portion  extends  beyond  the  arctic  circle. 

Seas.  Of  the  waters  which  indent  and  peninsulate  the 
shores  of  Europe,  the  principal  is  the  Mediterranean  sea, 
2000  miles  long,  which  separates  it  from  Africa  on  the 
south.  On  the  northern  side  of  this  sea,  are  two  extensive 
gulfs  ;  that  of  Venice,  sometimes  called  the  Adriatic,  and 
the  Archipelago.  Prom  the  Archipelago,  a  strait  railed 
the  Hellespont  conducts  to  the  sea  c:f  Marmora  ;  and  an- 
other, styled  the  strait  of  Constantinople,  leads  from  that 
to  the  Euxine,  or  Black  sea.  The  strait  of  Cafia  ccu~ 
xiccts  the  Eux-ine  ■with  the  sea  of  Azof^ 


24.3  EUROPE. 

The  Baltic  is  an  inland  sea  in  the  northwest  part  of  Eu- 
rope, formed  by  the  coasts  of  Russia,  Denmark,  Sweden, 
and  Germany.  The  Baltic  opens  from  the  Atlantic  ocean 
by  a  gulf  pointing  northeast,  called  the  Scaggerac,  and  af- 
terwards passes  south  by  the  strait  called  Gattegat,  to  the 
east  of  which  is  the  sound  of  Elsineur,  where  all  vessels 
pay  a  tribute  of  courtesy  to  Denmark.  The  length  of  the 
Baltic,  from  southwest  to  northeast,  is  more  than  200 
leagues  ;  its  breadth  varies  from  25  to  50  leagues.  To  the 
northeast  the  Baltic  spreads  into  two  extensive  branches, 
called  the  gulfs  of  Bothnia  and  Finland.  Tides  are  un- 
known in  this  sea,  and  the  waters  have  an  uncommon 
freshness.     It  is  usually  frozen  three  months  in  the  year. 

The  White  sea  is  a  bay  of  the  Arctic  ocean,  indenting 
the  northern  shores  of  Russia. 

The  German  sea  is  a  part  of  tlie  Atlantic  ocean,  wash- 
ing the  western  shore  of  Germany.  Another  portion  of 
the  Atlantic,  called  the  British  channel,  flows  between 
France  and  the  British  isles. 

The  bay  of  Biscay  is  between  cape  Ortegal,  in  Spain, 
and  the  French  island  of  Ushant. 

Islands.  The  islands  of  Europe  will  be  described  un- 
der the  respective  countries  to  which  they  belong. 

Rivers.  The  most  considerable  rivers  are  the  Volga^ 
the  Danube,  the  Dnieper,  the  Rhine,  and  the  Elbe.  These, 
as  well  as  others,  smaller  in  size,  but  equal  in  utility,  will 
be  noticed  under  the  respective  countries  through  which 
they  flow. 

Mountaiiis  The  most  elevated  Kiountains  of  Europe 
are  the  Alps.  Next  to  these  are  the  Pyrennees,  and  the 
extensive  ridge,  which  divides  Norway  from  Sweden. 
The  Carpathian  mountains  and  the  Appenines  ar-e  of  in- 
ferior extent  and  height. 

Inhabitants.  The  number  of  inhabitants  in  Europe, 
according  to  Hasael,  is  179,665,000. 

Governments.  Modern  Europe  scarcely  affords  an  ex- 
ample of  any  kind  of  government  but  of  monarchies  ;  some 
of  which  are  limited,  others  absolute  and  despotic.  Most 
of  the  countries,  formerly  denoiPiinated  republics,  have 
been  transformed  into  absolute  monarchies,  or  military 
despotisms. 

litii^kn.  The  Christian  religion  is  established  throu£;h=' 


EUROPE.  249 

out  every  part  of  Europe,  except  Turkey,  and  may  be 
comprelicp.dcd  under  three  general  denominations:  1st, 
the  Greek  church  ;  2d,  the  Koman  catholic ;  and  3d, 
Protestantism  ;  which  last  is  a'^ain  divided  into  i^utheran- 
ism  and  Calvinism,  so  called  from  Lnihor  and  Calvin,  the 
two  distinguished  reformers  of  the  16th  century. 

General  Historu.  Europe  was  anciently  peopled  l)y 
Cells  in  the  west  and  south  ;  by  the  Fins  in  the  northeast  ; 
and  by  the  Lapps,  or  Laplanders,  in  the  northern  extrem- 
ity. The  Scythians,  from  Asia,  peopled  a  considerable 
part  of  Europe.  Tlic  Sarmatian,  or  Sclavonic  tribes,  the 
ancestors  of  the  present  liu-isians,  Poles,  Sec.  were  likt' 
wise  from  Asia.  The  Moors,  from  Africa,  peopled 
Spain  at  a  very  early  period. 

Though  Europe  is  the  least  extensive  quarter  of  the 
globe,  ytt  it  may  lie  considered  as  the  principal  in  every 
thing  relating  to  p.K\n  in  society  ;  niildness  of  air,  fertility 
of  soli,  producing  all  the  necessaries  and  most  of  the  lux- 
uries of  life  ;  and  in  the  beauty,  strength,  courage,  and 
v.i'jdom  oi  its  inhabitants.  Here  ib.e  arts  of  utility  and 
ornament,  and  the  sciences,  both  military  and  civil  have 
been  carried  to  the  vrreatest  perfection.  If  we  except  the 
earliest  ages  of  the  world,  it  is  in  Europe  that  we  find  the 
greatest  vaiicty  of  character,  government,  and  manners, 
and  from  whence  we  drav/  the  greatest  numbers  of  facts 
and  memorials,  bcih  for  our  entertainment  and  instruc- 
tion. 

TI?c  languages  of  Europe  are  derived  from  the  six  fo'- 
lowing  :  The  Greek,  Latin,  Teutonic  or  Old  German, 
the  ('eltic,  Sclavonic,  and  Gothic. 

Lur(jpe  has  su!)ilued  to  its  subjection  a  great  part  of  the 
other  divisions  of  the  world.  It  governs  all  that  part  oi" 
liic  American  continent  which  has  been  peopled  from  Eu- 
roj)e,  the  United  States  excepted.  It  possesses  almost  all 
the  islands  which  have  been  discovered  in  the  three  greui. 
oceans,  the  Pacific,  the*  Atlantic,  and  the  Indian.  It  gives 
laws  to  more  than  half  Asia,  to  the  greater  part  of  the 
coast  of  Africa,  and  to  several  inteiior  coimtries  of  con- 
siderable extent  ;  so  that  nearly  half  the  inhabited  world 
bows  to  Europe. 


550  LAPLAND. 


LAPLAND. 

Situation.  AT  the  northern  extremity  of  Ei;rope  lies 
the  country  of  the  Laplanders,  extending  from  the  North 
cape,  in  lat.  71  30  to  the  White  sea,  uiider  the  Arctic 
circle;  450  miles  long,  and  3G0  bread.  Part  of  L::pJand 
belongs  to  the  Danes  ;  aiiothcr  part  to  the  Swedes  ;  ?.nd 
a  third  to  tlie  Russians.  Swedish  Lapland  conip;ci:cnds 
all  the  country  from  th.e  Baltic  to  tlic  mouiitains  wiich 
separate  Norway  from  Sweden.  The  Russian  pui  t  lies 
to  the  east,  and  bosders  on  the  White  sea.  Dani-ili  Lap- 
land lies  north  of  Norway. 

Climate.  The  v. inters  here  arc  extremely  cold.  Snow 
often  covers  the  ground  four  or  five  feet  deep  'ihe 
heat,  for  a  short  lime,  is  also  excessive.  Duriiig  soniC 
nionths  in  the  summer,  the  sun  luvr  sets  ;  and  for  ii;e 
same  space  in  wi;;ter  it  ricver  rir.cs.  Yet  the  inl:jd;ltants 
arc  so  well  assisted  by  tuilight,  tliat  tiicy  are  not  compel- 
led to  leave  their  employments  on  account  of  darkness. 

General  Jp./iearance  and  Prcdvcti'j7i-i.  The  country  is 
full  of  rocks  and  mounlains,  fens  and  morasses,  barren 
heaths  and  saridy  deserts.  Tlicrc  aie,  however,  some 
lakes,  containing  islands  which  foi'm  pleasant  habitaiions  ; 
and  are  believed  by  ttie  natives  to  be  the  terrestrial  para- 
dise ;  even  roses  and  other  flowers  grow  wild  on  titeir 
borders  in  the  i^ummcr.  The  banks  of  lakes  and  rivers 
produce  pine,  fir,  biich,  and  otl.cr  trees,  witb.  some  whole- 
some Ijerries  and  vegetables.  The  mountains  are  said  to 
be  rich  in  rock  ciystais,  purple  amethysts,  topazes,  load- 
stone, cjuicksiivcr,  native  cinnabar,  Sec.  Cojjper  and  lead 
iViines  have  been  discovered  aiid  woiked  to  advantage. 

The  most  remarkable  animal  of  thisecuintry  is  the  rein- 
deer, which  nature  seems  to  have  provided  to  solace  the 
Laplander  for  the  privation  of  other  comforts  of  life. 
These  creatures  provide  for  then^selves  both  summer  and 
%vinter,  feeding  on  grass,  leaves,  and  moss.  Tiie  Lap- 
landers make:'use  of  this  animal  in  travelling.  Its  flesh  is 
their  chief  food,  and  its  skin  their  clothing.  It  supplies 
its  owner  with  a  bed  ;  with  good  milk  and  cheese.  Of 
the  intestines  and  tendons  are  m.ade  thread  and  cordage; 
and  the  bones  and  horns  are  offered  to  idols. 


DENMARK.  251 

Inhabi'alitSt  Manners,  and  Cuslorns.  The  inliabitants 
of  this  country  are  a  singular  race  of  men,  about  4  feet 
hisjli,  and  iil  sl^.aped,  their  heads  too  large  in  proportion  to 
iheir  bodies.  Th.cy  are  said  to  enjoy  remarkable  health 
and  longevity,  someiimes  living  more  than  100  years,  and 
frequently  to  80  or  90,  cheerful  and  active.  They  arc 
clotncd  with  skins  of  the  rein-deer,  ov  undressed  sheep- 
skins, with  the  wool  inwards.  Their  anius.  nients  are 
shooting  with  bows  and  arrows, and  wrestling.  Tliey  have 
some  religio'is  seminaries  instituted  by  the  king  of  Den- 
inaik  ;  but  are  mostly  pagans,  and  arc  said  to  be  addicted 
to  vnagic,  and  invoke  demons,  whom  they  commission  to 
annoy  their  cncniics.  They  live  in  huts  from  20  to  30 
feet  in  diameter,  and  6  high,  covered  with  briers,  bark  of 
birch,  or  old  skins  of  beasts.  Marriages  among  them  de- 
])cnd  wholly  on  the  pleasure  of  the  parents,  Avho  pay  no 
regard  to  the  inclinations  of  their  children.  In  general, 
they  acknowledge  the  king  of  Sweden  for  t':cii-  sovereign, 
tliough  some  of  them  pay  tribute  to  the  Danes  and  Rus- 
sians. 

The  Lapp<5  were  originally  one  people  with  the  Finns. 
Their  language  has  now  some  afTmiiy  to  the  Finnish. 
They  are  said  to  have  a  genius  for  poetry  ;  of  which  the 
Orra  Moor  and  Rein  Deer  Song  in  the  Spectator,  trans* 
laied  from  two  songs  in  the  Laplandic  tongue,  are  proofs. 

DENMARK. 

2',xic7:t.  THE  countries  constituting  the  kingdom  of 
Denmark  extend  from  about  54  20  N.  lat.  to  the  northern 
cxtiemity  of  tiie  European  continent,  being  about  1400 
miles  long,  by  a  medial  breadth  of  150  miles. 

JJivJaion^-.  Before  giving  a  general  description  of  the 
kingdom  of  Deijmark,  it  will  be  proper  to  take  a  separate 
view  of  the  several  countries  which  compose  it.  Tnese 
arc 

1.  Di'.NMATiK  proper,  including  the  islands  at  the  entrance 
of  tl.e  Baltic. 

2.  Ti.c  kingdom  of  Norway. 

3 .  1  c  i:  1.  A  N  u . 

4.  'J  i.i:  Fi:uno  Isles,  and  some  other;;  in  the  Arctic  and 
Atlantic  oceans. 


252  t)ENMARK. 

Denmark  Proper  consists  of  a  small  peninsula,  c:;- 
tending  about  220  miles  to  the  uorthward  of  lat.  54  20  ; 
and  the  islands  of  Zealand,  Funen,  Laland,  Falster,  and 
some  smaller  isles,  containing  1,548,000  inhabitants.  The 
peninsula  is  bounded  on  the  souil^  by  Germany  ;  on  the 
ivest  by  the  Atlantic  ocean  ;  north  and  east  it  is  washed 
by  the  Scaggerac  and  Cattegat,  which  form  the  entrance 
into  the  Baltic  sea.  This  peninsula  forms  the  provinces 
of  Sleswick  and  Jutland. 

All  this  territory,  together  with  the  dutchy  of  Holstcin, 
in  Germany,  which  belongs  to  Denmark,  is  generally  flat, 
and  the  soil  sandy.  The  air  is  rendered  foggy  by  the 
neighborhood  of  the  seas  and  lakes,  of  which  the  country 
is  full ;  but  it  has  no  considerable  river.  During  winter, 
their  harbors  are  frozen.  I'he  land  is  fertile,  producing  a- 
bundance  of  grain  of  all  sorts.  The  pastures  are  rich  and 
give  sustenance  to  multitudes  of  horses  and  horned  cattle* 

Norway  is  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  entrance  to  the 
Baltic,  before  described  ;  w'est  and  north  by  the  Atlantic 
ocean  ;  cast  it  is  separated  from  Sweden  by  a  chain  of 
mountains,  collectively  denominated  the  Norwegian  Alps. 
The  most  southern  point  of  Norway  is  called  the  Naze, 
in  latitude  57  30,  from  which  it  reaches  to  the  North 
Cape,  lat.  7 1  20.  Its  breadth  is  from  30  to  280  miles.  It 
is  divided  into  4  governments,  Aggerhuys,  or  Christiana, 
Christiansand,  Bergen,  and  Drontheim,  and  contains 
912,000  inhabitants. 

The  climate  of  Norway  is  variable.  At  Bergen  the 
winter  is  moderate  ;  in  the  north  and  eastern  parts  the 
cold  is  intense,  from  October  to  April.  Norway  abounds 
in  lakes  and  rivers  ;  the  former  are  so  large  that  they  ap- 
pear like  inlets  of  tl)e  sea.  It  is  also  full  of  mountains  and 
forests,  which  furnish  rnasts,  planks,  beams,  and  boards, 
and  are  exported  to  all  part^  of  Europe.  The  principal 
forest  trees  are  pine  and  fir. 

Bears,  lynxes,  and  otlier  wild  animals,  harbor  in  the  for- 
ests and  mountains.  Here  is  als^  the  Icttmnng,  a  species 
of  rat.  Sometitnes  they  issue  from  the  viuges  in  multi- 
tudes, destroying  every  thing  in  their  way. 

Norway  is  rich  in  mines  of  silver,  copper,  iron,  lead  and 
cobalt.  Marble  and  other  useful  stones  abound.  The 
magnet  is  found  in  iheir  iron  raiacs.    It  has  some  rich 


BENMARK.  -253 

pastures,  but  does  not  produce  com  sufficient  for  the  in- 
habitants. 

Iceland,  an  island  in  the  Atlantic  ocean  between  64' 
and  67  degrees  north  latitude,  and  between  50  and  65  de- 
grees west  longitude,  is  SOO  miles  long  and  1/30  broad, 
and  contains  47,300  inhabitants.  The  coast  is  rugged, 
and  broken  by  numerous  bays  and  creeks. 

Iceland  is  full  of  mountains  whose  top^^re  covered  with 
everlasting  snow  and  ice,  while  their  bowels  are  filled  with 
fire  and  lava.  Mount  Hecla  is  the  most  noted  of  these 
volcanoes  ;  its  eruptions  have  been  frequent  and  very  de- 
structive. There  are  ahv.iys  many  fountains  of  boiling 
water  in  Iceland,  some  of  which  form  spouts  of  an  aston- 
ishing height.  In  some  parts  there  is  tolerable  pasture, 
and  a  little  grain  is  produced,  but  not  enough  to  supply 
the  wants  of  its  inhabitants,  whose  wealth  consists  princi- 
pally of  small  cattle  and  sheep.  There  are  but  few  trees 
on  the  island.  Among  the  wild  animals  are  white  bears, 
which  are  brought  from  Greenland  on  islands  of  ice. 

The  Ferro  Islands,  24  in  number,  lie  in  the  Atlantic 
ocean,  between  6i  and  63  degrees  north  latitude,  and  have 
5300  inhabitants.  Stromoe,  the  largest,  is  17  miles  long 
.md  8  broad.  The  rest  are  much  smaller,  and  many  of 
them  uninhabited.  They  are  mountainous  :  but  the  soil, 
though  shallow,  is  fertile,  yielding  barley  and  pasturage 
for  sheep.  They  are  the  resort  of  great  numbers  of  sea 
fowl,  which  furnish  eider  down,  a  valuable  article  to  the 
fowlers.  These  islands  are  subject  to  terrible  storms  and 
whirlwinds. 

Population.  The  Danish  dominions  contain  togethe|" 
2,609,000  inhabitants. 

Manners.  The  servitude  of  the  peasantry  in  Denmark 
proper  renders  them  spiritless  and  indolent.  Those  of 
Norway  are  more  free,  industrious,  and  enterprising.  Al- 
most every  Norwegian  is  an  artist,  and  supplies  his  fami- 
ly with  his  own  manufactures.  The  women  are  hand- 
some and  courteous. 

Religion.  The  established  religion  is  Lutheranism  ;  but 
other  denominations  are  tolerated. 

Languages  and  Literature.     The  languages  of  all  the  Da- 
nish dominions  are  dialects  of  the  Teutonic  and  Gothic, 
That  of  Iceland  is  said  to  be  the  purest. 
X 


i?vt  DENMARK. 

The  Banes  are  but  little  celebrated  in  literature.  Ty- 
cho  Brahe,  the  famous  astronomer,  was  a  native  of  this  ^ 
kingdom.  There  is  a  university  at  Copenhagen,  and  a- 
nother  at  Kiel.  Tliere  are  also  two  academical  colleges, 
and  thirty-two  other  great  schools  in  the  principal  towns. 
At  Copenhagen  is  a  royal  society  of  sciences  ;  another  of 
Icelandic  history  and  literature  ;  an  academy  for  painting 
and  architecture  ;  and  a  college  of  physicians.  The  uni- 
\'ersity  las  funcfl  for  the  gratuitous  support  of  328  stu- 
dents. 

Government.  Denmark  is  an  absolute  monarchy,  but 
the  administration  of  it  has  been  distinguished  for  mild- 
ness, justice,  and  moderation. 

yirmy.     The  army  amounted  in  ISOO,  to  74',635  men. 

Cities  and  Toivns.  Copenhagen  is  the  capital,  and  the 
residence  of  the  king.  It  is  5  miles  in  circumference, 
seated  on  the  western  shore  of  the  island  of  Zealand,  and 
contains  60,000  inhabitants.  The  houses  are  chiefly  of 
brick  ;  the  palaces  of  the  nobility  are  splendid. 

Bergen,  the  capital  of  Norway,  has  16,000  inhabitants. 
Alton  A,  in  the  dutchy  of  Holstein,  has  30,000.  Chris- 
tiana, 10,000.  ,Drontheim  has  8200,  and  is  the  most 
northerly  city  of  Europe. 

History.  The  Danes  enumerate  a  long  list  of  princes, 
through  a  period  of  near  3000  years,  and  affirm  that  their 
country  received  its  name  from  Dan,  their  first  king,  who 
reigned  about  the  year  1 050  before  the  Christian  era.  But 
the  history  of  Denmark,  for  several  ages  after  Dan,  is  fill- 
ed with  wild  and  fabulous  accounts  of  heroes,  and  other 
absurdities. 

One  of  the  most  illustrious  of  the  kings  of  Denmark  was 
Canute  the  Great,  who  was,  at  the  same  time,  king  of  Den- 
mark, Norway,  and  England  ;  he  died  A.  D.  1025  The 
famous  Margaret,  daughter  of  Waldemar  III.  who  as- 
cended the  throne  in  1387,  raised  Denmark  to  its  highest 
pitch  of  glory,  and  was  justly  styled  the  Semiramis  of  the 
north.  She  formed  the  union  of  Calmar,  by  which  she 
Tvas  acknowledged  sovereign  of  Sweden,  Denmark,  and 
Norway.  The  union  was  dissolved  in  1448  ;  but  the  three 
kingdoms  were  again  united  in  1 457»  under  Christian  I. 
and  once  more  separated  in  1464.  In  1536,  the  protest- 
;*rit  religion  %vas  established  by  Christian  III,     His  grand-    ; 


SWEDEN.  ti5.i 

oon  Christian  IV.  ^v;i^  diOf.e.T  hend  of  ihe  protestant 
league,  formed  against  the  house  of  Austria,  ll)'J9.  ilis 
son  Frederic  III.  ascended  tl)e  throne  in  i64S,  and  con- 
ducted himself  so  much  to  ilie  admiration  of  tlie  people,, 
that  they  assembled  in  1060,  and  declared  hereditar)\ 
that  which  before  had  been  elective,  and  the  power  of  the 
king  absolute,  which  before  Iv.id  been  extTcmcIy  limited. 
Christian  Vl.  who  ascended  the  throne  in  17-^0,  and  his 
grandson,  Frederick  V.  who  succeeded  him  in  1716,  cnl;i- 
vated  peace  with  all  their  neighbors,  and  employed  all 
iJieir  power  to  promoie  the  happiness  of  their  subjects. 
Christian  VIT,  the  present  king,  ascended  ilio  throne  in 
1716. 


SWEDEN. 

Extrnt  and  Boundaries.  THE  kingdom  of  Sweden  is  of 
very  considerable  extent ;  being,  from  the  most  suiuhern 
promontory  of  Scone  to  the  northern  extremity  of  Swedish 
Lapland,  not  less  than  1150  miles  in  length  ;  and  froa: 
the  Norwegian  Alp'  lo  the  limits  of  Russia,  about  600. 
U  is  bounded  north  by  Danish  Lapland  ;  east  by  Russia  : 
^outli  by  the  Baltic,  and  the  gulf  of  Finland  ;  west  by 
Norway,  the  Sound,  and  tlie  Cattegate. 

Dlvhions.  The  whole  kingdom  is  divided  into  five 
grand  divisions,  viz.  Sweden  proper,  65l-,(K)0  inluibiiants  ; 
Gothland,  1,4.54,000  ;  Norland  and  Lapland,  210,000  ; 
Finland,  8:3^,000.  Each  division  is  subdivided  into  sev- 
eral provinces. 

Cl'tmate  -.ncl  Seasons.  Tlie  winter  here  is  long,  dry,  and 
cold  ;  tlie  summer  short  ..nd  Jiot.  There  is  a  rapid  change 
from  winter  to  the  lieat  of  summer.  During  the  long 
winter  nights,  the  moon,  the  aurora  borealis  and  the  re- 
Hection  of  the  snow,  produce  a  mild  and  agreeable  light. 
In  summer,  the  night  consist »  only  of  a  sliort  twilight. 

The  pure,  sharp  air,  which  the  Swedes  breathe,  renders 
them  vigorous,  and  preserves  them  from  epidemical  dis- 
eases.    They  often  attain  to  a  very  great  age. 

Face  of  the  Country.  Sweden  is  diversified,  in  a  pictur- 
esque manner,  with  lakes  and  rivers,  mountains  and  vales, 
forests,  rocks,  and  cultiv  ated  fields.     The  most  remai  kable 


256  SWEDEN. 

iBoyntain  is  the  Sevebergsrygu,  which  begins  in  West- 
Gothland,  extends  towards  the  noith,  between  Norway 
and  Norland,  separating  these  two  countries  by  summits^ 
covered  with  eternal  snow.    " 

All  tlie  mountains  of  vSweden  are  composed  of  gravel, 
freestone,  calcareous  stone,  slate,  petrii  act  ions  and  granite. 

Soil  and  ylgriculiure.  The  soil  of  the  plains  and  valleys, 
though  not  the  most  propitious,  is  proper  for  cultivation.^ 
which  is  conducted  with  skill  and  industry.  There  are 
many  rich  pastures,  and  some  fields  of  rye,  oats,  and  bar- 
ley. 

Lahs  and  Risers.  One  of  the  most  important  lakes  oi 
Sweden  is  the  Wenner,  about  100  miles  long,  and  50  or 
60  broad.  It  receives  twenty-four  rivers,  and  abounds 
with  fish.  Next  in  size  is  the  Weter,  which  receives  about 
forty  small  rivers,  though  it  has  no  outlet  except  the  Mo- 
lula.  The  lake  Meier,  at  the  confluence  of  which  with  the 
Baltic  the  city  of  Stockholm  is  situated,  is  about  sixty  miles 
long  by  eighteen  broad,  sprinkled  with  many  picturesque 
islaiads^ 

Sweden  is  intersected  by  numerous  rivers,  the  most  con- 
siderable of  which  issue  from  the  lakes,  without  any  great 
length  of  course.  In  Swedish  Lapland  are  many  large 
rivers  which  rite  in  the  Norwegian  Alps,  and  fall  into 
the  gulf  of  Bothnia. 

Botany.  Linnaeus  reckons  in  Sweden,  1300  species  of 
plants,  200  of  which  are  used  in  medicine.  No  beeches 
tp-row  beyond  Upland  ;  the  birch  grows  in  all  the  prov- 
inces     The  pine  and  the  fir  are  the  principal  forest  trees. 

y!mmals.  The  domestic  cattle  and  sheep  of  Sweden  pre- 
sent nothing  reriiarkable.  Wolves,  foxes,  hares,  birds  of 
prey,  moor  fowl,  fresh  and  salt  water  fish,  are  found  here 
in  great  abundance  ;  bears,  elks,  sables,  beavers,  and  pole- 
cats are  more  unccr^mon. 

Minerals  and  ?/l'mcral  Springs.  Sweden  is  very  rich  in 
iron,  and  copper,  lead,  marble,  alum  limestone,  coal, 
vitriol,  curious  petrifactions,  porphyry,  amethysts,  load- 
stone, slate,  talc,  quicksilver,  sulphur,  mother  of  pearl, 
and  silver. 

There  are  rckoned  860  mineral  springs  in  Sweden. 
They  abound  in  every  province  of  the  kingdom. 

Matmfaduns  and  Commera.     The  Swedish  manufactures 


SWEDEN.  257 

are  chlefiy  those  of  iron  and  steel,  wltli  cloths,  huts,  sail- 
cloth, copper  and  brass.  The  articles  of  export  are  iron, 
copper,  gunpowder,  boards,  leather,  tallow,  skins,  pitch* 
resin,  and  masts.  They  import  linen  cloth,  salt,  wines, 
grain,  tobacco,  sugar,  coffee,  drugs,  &c.  Of  late,  a  laud- 
able attention  has  been  paid  to  inland  navigation. 

Population.  The  population  of  this  kingdom,  in  1 801, 
amounted  to  3,191,000.  The  nobility  are  computed  at 
about  2500  families  ;  and  thtr  peasants,  the  most  numer- 
Gus  class,  amount  to  2,000.000. 

Manners  and  Customs.  The  Swedes  are  more  polished 
than  formerly,  and  have  several  public  schools  and  col- 
leges, where  the  arts  and  sciences  are  taught,  I'heir 
women  till  the  ground,  thresh  the  corn,  row  the  boats, 
&c.  Their  houses  are  generally  of  wood,  with  little  art 
in  the  construction. 

Language.  The  language  is  a  dialect  of  the  Gothic,  be- 
ing a  sister  of  the  Danish,  Norwegian,  and  Icelandic. 

Cities.  Stockholm,  standing  between  an  inlet  of  ihe 
Baltic  sea  and  the  i^ke  Meier,  is  the  capital  of  Sweden,  and 
the  royal  residence.  It  occupies  7  small  rocky  islands. 
The  honses/are  of  stons  or  brick,  covered  with  white  stuc- 
co. It  has  a  castle,  an  arsenal,  and  several  academicE, 
and  75,517  inhabitants.  Upsal  is  the  next  in  dignity, 
and  has  HOO  inhabitants.  Gothenburg  has  1S,218 
inhabitants.  Carlscrona,  founded  by  diaries  XI.  m 
1680,  contains  a  population  of  about  13,800. 

Religion.     The    established   religion  is  the   Lutheran;, 
tliey  have  one  archbishop  and  seven  bishops 

Government.  The  form  of  the  Swedish  govcrnirjcnt  is 
nicnaichical 

yirmy  and  Navy.  In  1 801 ,  the  naval  and  military  t:  ccns 
of  every  kind  were  l8H,734.  They  have  but  fev;  ships  of 
the  line.  Galleys  of  a  flat  construction  are  found  more 
serviceable  in  the  Baltic  than  ships  of  war,  and  eieat  at- 
teniiun  is  paid  to  tlieir  equip4Tjcr.t. 

Bist-.ry.  Sweden  is  part  of  the  ancient  Scard.'navf:!, 
and  a;^pears  to  iiave  been  origin.'.l.'y  peopled  by  lins,  wiii; 
were  conquered  by  the  Goths,  probably  seven  or  ei^lu  cen- 
turies betore  tiie  Christian  era.  Theiiistoiy  of  this  kin-'- 
doin  is  obscure  tiil  the  reign  of  Ingi  ihe  pi. jus,  A.  D.  IC'(j'>. 
SwtJen  vv.is  paitiaily  converted  lu  Ciuisiianity,  A.  P 
X   2 


253  RUSSIA. 

lOOO,  under  Olaf  III.  Margaret,  queen  of  Denmark  and 
Norway,  was  called  to  the  throne  of  Sweden,  on  the  forc- 
ed resignation  of  Albert,  their  king.  A.  D.  1377.  It  re- 
mained united  to  the  Danish  crown  till  1523,  when  the  fa- 
mous Gnstavus  Vasa  expelled  the  Danes,  and  ever  since 
it  has  remained  independent ;  but  was  made  an  absolute 
monarchy  by  Gustavns  111.  in  1772.  Gustavus  IV.  was 
assassinated  by  Ankerstrom,  on  the  !6th  of  March,  1792; 
and  succeeded  by  his  son,  then  14  years  old  ;  who,  in 
1800  abdicated  tlie  throne,  and  is  now  an  exile  in  Great- 
Britain. 


RUSSIA. 

THE  Russian  empire  is  superior  in  extent  of  teritory  to 
any  perhaps  that  ever  existed  on  the  globe.  In  its  great- 
est extent  it  stretches  from  Svi-eden  and  the  Baltic  on  the 
west,  to  the  Pacific  ocean  on  the  east  ;  and  from  the  Arc- 
tic ocean  north,  to  the  44'th  degree  of  north  latitude  on  the 
south  ;  being  larger  than  all  the  rest  of  Europe.  Tlie  pres- 
ent article,  however,  is  restricted  to  European  Russia, 
which  is  the  best  and  most  pop;; Inns  part  of  the  empire. 

Boundaries.  The  boundaries  of  Russia  in  Euj  ope  are 
on  the  north,  the  Arctic  ocean  ;  on  the  west,  Swedish  Lap- 
land and  Finland,  the  Baltic  sea,  the  Prussian  and  Austri- 
an parts  of  the  late  kingdom  of  Poland,  and  Turkish  Mal- 
divia  ;  on  the  south,  the  Black  sea,  and  seaof  Azof ;  and 
on  the  east,  its  own  Asiatic  territories. 

Extent,  European  Russia  extends  from  the  river  Dni- 
ester to  the  Uralian  mountains,  about  1600  miles  ;  its 
breadth  is  more  than  1000  miles.  It  is  computed  to  con- 
tain 1,200,000  square  miles. 

Drchlons  and  Population.  This  Immense  empireis  divided 
into  50  governments,  12  of  wiiich  are  in  Asiatic  Russia. 

The  whole  empire  contained,  in  180S,  41,403,200  in- 
habitants, viz. 

In  European  Russia  32,129,200 

in  Asiatic  Russia  9,274,000 

41,403,200 


RUSSIA,  259 

Of  the  inhabitants  in  Russia,  1,510,700  arc  in  the 
Siberian  provinces,  and  SOO  in  American  Russia,  oppo- 
site Kaniscliatka  Of  the  inhabitants  in  European  Rus- 
sfa,  7,000,000  were  acquired  Irom  the  partition  of  Po- 
land, and  irom  the  Pone,  between  the  years  177^  and 
1795. 

Climate.  In  a  country  of  such  extent  as  Russia,  there 
must  consequently  bs  almost  every  diversity  of  climate, 
but  its  prevailing  character  is  that  of  extreme  cold  The 
province  of  Taurida  may  be  compared  with  Italy,  in  cli- 
mate and  soil. 

Stas,  Lakes,  and  Rivers.  The  seas  of  Russia  are  the  Bal- 
tic, the  White  sea,  the  Black  sea,  the  sea  of  Azof,  and 
the  Caspian  sea. 

Tliert;  are  several  considerable  lakes  in  Russia.  Tlie 
lake  of  Onega,  in  the  government  of  Olonetz,  is  150  miles 
long  by  f>0  broad,  the  shores  of  wiiich  contain  some  valu- 
able marbles.  To  the  west  is  lake  Ladoga,  130  n)Iieslong, 
by  70  broad.  Peter  the  great  opened  a  canal  along  the 
shore  of  this  lake,  from  the  Volkov  to  the  Neva  On  the 
southwest  is  the  lake  of  Peypus,  from  which  issues  the  riv- 
er Narva  I'he  white  lake  is  so  called  from  its  bottom 
of  white  clay.  Lake  Seliger,  in  the  governnrent  of  Tver^ 
and  a  small  lake  to  the  west,  are  the  principal  sources  of 
tlie  majestic  Volga,  wljich,  for  some  distance;  is  the  boun- 
dary line  between  Europe  and  Asia.  After  a  course  of 
250  miles,  it  turns  to  the  southeast  into  Asia,  and  lalls  in- 
to the  Caspian  sea  at  Astrachan.  Its  whole  course  is 
1700  miles. 

The  Don,  or  Tanais,  rises  in  the  government  of  Tulan, 
and  runs  SOO  nnles  into  the  sea  of  Azof. 

The  Nieper,  the  ancient  Borysthenes,  rises  in  the  govern- 
ment of  Smolensk,  at  no  great  distance  fiom  the  sources 
of  th.e  Volga  and  Duina.  After  traversing  rich  and  fer- 
tile jirovinces,  for  1000  miles,  it  fills  into  the  Euxine. 

The  Niesier  rises  in  the  Carpathian  mountains,  and  falb 
into  the  Euxine  at  Ankerman. 

The  Peti-liora,  Mezen,  and  several  otl'.cr  important  riv- 
er:, run  northwardly  into  the  While  sea  and  Arctic  ocean. 

Thit  other  most  considera!-le  rivers  are,  the  Western 
O-.vina,  which  Talis  into  the  gulf  of  Riga  ;  the  Neva,  which 
c;uri'.'5  ;he  WHtcr^  of  lake  Ladoga  into  the  gulf  of  Einlund 


260  '  RUSSIA. 

and  pervades  the  city  of  Petersburg  ;  and  the  Bog,  which 
falls  into  the  Euxine  sea. 

Face  of  the  Country.  European  Russia  is  generally  a 
level  country.  Toward  the  north,  however  the  land  rises 
into  bleak  and  barren  mountains,  interspersed  with  forests, 
bogs,  and  morasses. 

Productions.  There  is  a  great  variety  of  natural  produc- 
tions in  Russia,  Many  thousand  species  of  plants,  belong- 
ing to  this  part  of  the  globe,  have  already  been  enumerated 
by  naturalists, and  many  are  probably  yet  unknown.  Most 
of  the  grains,  necessary  for  the  subsistence  of  man  and 
beasl,  are  cultivated  in  Russia.  The  southern  provinces 
are  extremely  fertile.  The  fir  is  the  most  valuable  of  their 
forest  trees. 

Beside  domestic  animals,  the  country  abounds  in  wild 
beeves,  reindeer,  martins,  foxes  of  several  kinds,  ermines, 
sables,  and  various  other  quadrupeds  valuable  for  their 
furs. 

The  mineral  stores  of  this  empire,  are  those  of  gold, 
silver,  copper,  iron,  lead,  quicksilver,  isingglass,  sulphur, 
salt,  many  sorts  of  jasper,  marble  and  granite. 

Commerce.  The  commerce  of  Russia  is  greatly  increased 
by  its  canals.  The  North  s^'a  is  united  with  the  Baltic,  and 
both  these  with  the  Caspian  and  Black  seas.  By  means 
of  a  canal,  Petersburg  communicates  with  Astrachan  and 
the  Crimea.  The  annual  export  of  iron  is  computed  at 
40,000  tons  ;  of  flax  15,000  ;  and  of  tallow  31-,000  tons. 
The  imports  of  Petersburg,  in  1797,  were  computed  at 
about  4',000,000/  sterling  Russia  is  supposed  to  export 
grain  anunally  to  the  amount  of  170,000/.  ;  and  hemp  and 
flax,  raw  or  manufactured,  to  the  amount  of  a  million 
more.  The  coin  current  in  the  empire  is  estimated  to 
amount  to  SO, 000, 000/.  sterling,  and  the  paper  money  to 
20,000,000/.  Russia  carries  on  a  great  traffic  wiih  China. 
Immense  quantities  of  furs  are  exported  to  most  of  the 
nations  of  Europe. 

Religion.  The  establislied  religion  is  that  oi  the  Greek 
church,  but  all  religious  sects  are  tolerated.  The  church 
is  governed  by  a  patriarch,  under  v/hom  are  archbishops 
and  bishops. 

Language.  The  common  language  is  a  mixture  of  the 
Polish  aud  Sclav.onian ;  but  the  priests  and  ciergy  make 


RUSSIA.  261' 

use  of  the  modern  Greek.  Their  alphabet  consists  of  36 
letters,  the  forms  of  which  have  a  strong  resemblance  to 
those  of  the  old  Greek  alphabet. 

Li'.eraiure.  Sciences  and  arts  were  introduced  by  Peter 
the  great,  and  encouraged  by  the  late  empiess,  who  also 
founded  a  number  of  schools  for  the  education  of  the  low- 
er classes  of  her  subjects.  There  are  three  universities,  one 
at  Petersburg,  one  at  Moscow,  and  one  at  Kiof.  The 
imperial  academy  of  sciences,  aL  Petersburg,  ranks  among 
the  ilrst  literary  institutions  of  Europe,  'fhere  is  also  an 
academy  of  arts,  and  another  of  the  Russian  language. 

Manners  and  Customs.  The  Russians,  properly  so  called, 
are  h^rdy,  vigorous,  and  patient  of  labor  to  an  incredible 
degree.  The  dress  of  the  higher  ranks  is  after  the  French 
and  English  fashion  ;  and  all  wear  a  covering  of  fur  si'^ 
months  in  the  year.  They  have  an  extreme  fondness  lor 
their  native  soil,  and  are  seldom  seen  in  other  countries. 

They  are  superstitious,  and  entertain  many  fantastic  no- 
tions respecting  departed  .souls  The  priests  give  a  pass- 
yoxl  to  these  vv'ho  are  dying,  entreating  St.  Peter  to  open 
the  gates  of  heaven,  and  certifying  that  the  bearer  has  been 
a  gfiod  Clitistian. 

There  are  no  capital  punishments,  except  in  cases  of  high 
treason.  But  the  Russians  are  renrarkable  for  the  severity 
and  variety  of  punishments,  inflicted  for  other  crimes. 
Mary  cnmlnais  die  under  the  tortures  of  the  knout,  the 
fatigues  of  their  journeys  to  Siberia,  and  tlie  hardships  they 
suffer  in  the  mines 

Government.  The  soveieign  of  Russia  is  absolute.  He 
must  be  of  the  Greek  church.  The  only  written  funda- 
mental law  is  tliat  of  Peter  1.  by  which  the  right  of  suc- 
cession depend  sentirely  on  the  choice  of  the  reigning  mon- 
atch.  i  he  emperor  has  unlimited  power  over -^hc  lives 
and  property  of  all  his  subjects,  the  nobility  as  well  as  the 
peasantry.  The  provinces  are  ruled  by  governois,  ap- 
pointed by  the  sovereign. 

/irmy  and  Navy.  The  army  amounted  in  1S()5  to 
5j^rl20  men.  Russia  has  ,'^2  nev/  sail  of  the  line,  and  18 
fiig^tes ;  12  oUl  line  of  battle  ships,  and  200  galleys  and 
gun  bo.its,  principally  in  the  Baltic,  Black  and  Mediterra- 
nean seas 

Cii'us.     Petersburg,  on  the   Neva,  near  the  gulf  of 


262  RUSSIA. 

Finland,  is  the  capital  of  Russia.  Peter  the  great  laid  ih<* 
foundation  of  it  in  1703,  and,  from  a  morass,  which  con- 
tained only  a  few  fishermen's  huts,  arose  a  city  which  now 
contains  2'J\,'2S0  inliabitants,  35  great  churches,  and  many 
splendid  palaces.  It  is  defended  by  the  fortress  of  Cron- 
stadr,  and  is  enclosed  by  a  rampart  14  miles  in  circumfer- 
ence.    It  carries  on  an  extensive  commerce. 

Moscow,  555  miles  southeast  of  Petersburg,  before  its 
destruction  in  September,  1812,  by  order  of  the  Russians, 
to  prevent  its  falling  into  the  hands  of  Bonaparte,  contain- 
ed 12,500  houses  and  300,000  souls.  Its  circumference, 
within  the  rampart,  was  2©  miles.  It  had  1800  places  of 
worship.  Their  beils  were  of  a  stupendous  size,  one  of 
which  weighed  216  tons.  Moscow  was  the  centre  of  the 
inland  commerce  of  Russia.     It  is  now  rebuilding. 

Archangei,,  on  the  Dwina,  near  the  White  sea,  is  a 
place  of  some  commerce,  and  has  1200  houses  and  7200 
inhabitants. 

Riga  is  a  strong  and  populous  tov'n,  and  next  to  Pe- 
tersburg, the  most  commercial  of  any  in  Russia.  It  is 
ihe  capital  of  the  government  of  Livonia,  and  has  1236 
hou.es,  30,000  inhabitants. 

History.  Little  was  known  of  Russia  till  near  the  close 
of  the  I5ih  century,  when  John  Baziiowitz  I.  great  duke 
of  Moscovy,  threw  off  the  yoke  of  the  Tartars,  to  whom 
Russia  had  long  been  subject,  and  assumed  the  title  ot 
Czar.  But  Peter  the  great  is  the  most  deservedly  celebrat- 
ed of  all  the  sovereigns  of  Russia.  Perhaps  no  country 
ever  exhibited,  in  so  short  a  time,  the  wonders  that  may  be 
effected  by  the  genius  and  exertions  of  one  man.  At  his* 
accession  to  the  throne,  he  found  his  subjects  of  all  ranks 
in  the  grossest  ignorance  and  barbarism  ;  his  numerous 
armies  ferocious  and  undisciplined  ;  he  had  neither  mer- 
chant ships  nor  men  of  war,  which  rendered  Russia  of  lit- 
tle consequence  in  the  politics  of  Europe.  Peter  civilized 
his  barbarous  subjects,  disciplined  his  army,  built  cities  and. 
fortresses,  and  created  a  navy.  These  national  improve- 
ments have  been  continued  since  his  time,  and  Russia  now 
holds  a  rank  among  the  powers  of  Europe,  of  which  hu- 
man  foresight,  at  the  beginning  of  the  last  century,  could 
have  formed  no  conception. 

The  present  emperor  of  Russia  is  Alexander  I,  who  as- 


POLAND.  -203 

tended  the  throne,  March  24,  1801,  the  day  after  the  as- 
sassination of  his  father,  Paul  I. 

Russian  Isles.  In  the  Baltic,  Russia  possesses  the 
isles  of  OisEL  and  Dago,  which  are  full  of  rocks.  Cron- 
STADT,  in  the  gulf  of  Finland,  is  remarkable  for  an  excel- 
lent haven,  which  is  the  chief  station  of  the  Russian  fleet. 
It  has  40,000  inhabitants. 

Nova-Zembla,  a  large  island  in  the  Arctic  ocean,  be- 
longs to  Russia,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  the  straight 
of  Wiigate.  It  has  no  inhabitants  but  foxes,  bears,  and 
other  wild  beasts. 

The  islands  of  Spitzbergk»j,  styled  by  some  East- 
Greenland,  from  a  supposed  connection  with  Greenland 
proper,  in  North- America,  lie  in  the  Arctic  ocean,  between 
Greenland  and  Nova  Zembla.  The  main  land  of  Spitz- 
bergen  extends  300  miles  from  lat.  7G  30  to  80  7-  The 
coast  is  lined  with  craggy  mountains  ;  in  winter,  it  is  con- 
tinual night  for  four  months.  The  animals  are  white 
bears  and  foxes.  There  are  no  settled  inhabitants,  and  it 
is  known  only  to  those  who  go  on  the  coast  for  whales. 
The  only  vegetable  here  is  a  willow,  two  inches  high. 

POLAND. 

POLAND  was  once  a  powerful  kingdom  of  Europe, 
but  is  now  blotted  from  the  catalogue  of  nations.  As  a 
geographical  section  of  Europe,  however,  it  still  occupies 
a  place  in  the  description  of  this  part  of  the  globe. 

In  1 772,  Poland  was  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  Bal- 
tic and  Russia  ;  east  by  Russia  ;  south  by  Little  Tartary, 
Moldavia  and  Hungary ;  west  by  Germany  and  the  Bal- 
tic. The  territory,  included  inthese  limits,  was  SCO  mllis 
long,  and  700  broad.  It  v.as  divided  into  Great  Poland, 
Little  Poland,  and  Litliuania  ;  each  of  which  v/as  again 
divided  into    palatinates  or  provinces. 

Poland  was  anc'ently  the  country  of  the  Vandals,  who 
emigrated  from  it  to  invade  the  Rr^man  empire.  It  was 
erected  into  a  dutcliy,  of  which  Lcchus  was  the  first  duke, 
A.  D.  694.  It  became  a  kingdom  A.  I).  1000  ;  Otho 
III.  emperor  of  Germany,  conferring  the  title  of  king  om 
Boleslaus  I. 

In  1772,  a  parfition  of  tliis  country,  projected  by  the 


«64.  PRUSSIA. 

king  of  Prussia,  was  effected  by  that  monarch,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  empress  of  Russia  and  the  emperor  of  Ger- 
many ;  by  which  one  third  of  Poland  was  divided  among 
tliese  powers.  In  1792,  the  empress  of  Russia  and  king 
of  Prussia  planned  a  second  partition,  which  took  place  in 
1793.  "  These  multiplied  oppressions  at  last  roused  the 
spirit  of  the  nation.  General  Kosciusko,  in  1794,  appear- 
ed at  the  head  of  a  Polish  army,  to  assert  the  independence 
of  his  country,  and  to  recover  the  provinces  wrested  from 
it.  He  was  successful  at  first  against  the  king  of  Prussia, 
but  was  afterwards  defeated  and  taken  prisoner  by  the 
Russians.  Warsaw,  the  capital,  was  taken  and  plundered 
by  the  Russians,  in  1793.  Five  thousand  Polish  troops 
fell  in  defence  of  the  place  ;  and  9000  citizens,  men,  wo- 
men and  children  were  massacred.  Theunfortunateking, 
Stanislaus  III.  was  compelled  to  make  a  formal  resigna- 
tion of  his  crown  and  kingdom  into  the  hands  of  his  bloody 
conquerors,  and  was  a  state  prisoner  till  his  death,  which 
happened  at  Petersburg,  February  11,  1798. 

The  present  distribution  of  Poland  is  as  follows  ;  to  Rus- 
sia belong  Courland,  Samogitia  the  greater  part  of  Lith- 
uania, Polesia,  Volhinia,  and  Podolia,  having,  according 
to  Hassel,  a  population  of  4,223,300.  To  Austria,  Little 
Poland,  a  part  of  Podolia,  now  called  Galicia  and  Lodo- 
miria,  and  part  of  Masovia.  To  Prussia,  Great  Poland, 
Polachia,  and  a  part  of  Masovia  and  Lithuania. 

PRUSSIA. 

Extent  and  BourJaries.  EXCLUSIVE  of  small  detach- 
ed teritories,  the  kingdom  of  Prussia  extends  from  the  riv- 
er Oder  west,  to  the  Memel  east,  about  600  miles.  The 
breadth,  from  the  southern  limit  of  Silesia  to  Dantzic  ex- 
ceeds 300  miles.  On  the  east  and  south,  Prussia  is  bound- 
ed by  the  dominions  of  Russia  and  Austria  ;  west  by 
Germany  ;  north  by  the  Baltic. 

Divisions  and  Population.     The   following   countries,  fe 
1801,  composed  the  Prussian  monarchy  : 
Eastern  Prussia    k  Pomerania 

Western  Prussia  Brandenburg 

Southern  Prussia  New  March 

New  Eastern  Prussia  Magdeburg 


PRUSSIA.  £65 

Halberstadt  Gelder 

Minden  Tecklenburg 

Ravensliurg  Lingen 

Eiist  Friesland  Silesia 

Cleves  Anspach 

Mars  Baircuth 

Mark  Neufchatel  and  Vallcngin 

The  whole  of  these  divisions,  according  to  Hoeck,  con* 
tained  8,021,149  inhabitants.  Since  the  battle  of  Jena,  in 
\'6i'~t  in  which  the  French  were  victorious,  and  v.'hich  was 
followed  by  almost  a  connplete  conquest  of  Prussia,  the 
extent  of  this  kingdom  has  been  considerably  lessened. 

Climate.  The  climate  of  Prussia,  tliough  mild  and  free 
from  humidity  in  some  provinces,  Is  generally  cold  and 
moist.  Prussia  pfoper  is  said  to  have  eight  months  win- 
ter, and  its  autumn  deluged  with  rain. 

Laief  and  Rivers.  There  are  several  lakes  in  Prussia: 
of  considerable  extent.  That  called  the  Spelding  Lee  ex- 
lends  about  20  miles  in  every  direction.  One  of  the  chief 
rivers  is  the  Elbe,  rising  in  Bohemia,  and  passing  through 
the  dutchy  of  Magdeburg.  The  Oder  is  perhaps  the  on- 
ly river  which  can  be  considered  entirely  Prussian.  The 
other  chief  rivers  are  the  Russe,  and  Niemen  or  Memei. 

General  appearance  and  Produciicns.  The  only  mountains 
in  Prussia  are  those  of  Silesia.  Except  this  province,  the 
whole  country  is  low  and  level.  It  produces  much  hemp, 
flax,  and  corn.  Yellow  amber  is  found  along  the  sea  coast. 
The  domestic  animals  are  numerous.  Beside  the  com- 
mon game,  the  forests  abound  in  elks,  wild  asses,  and  the 
uri,  an  animal  of  a  monstrous  size,  with  a  very  thick  and 
strong  hide,  which  is  sold  at  a  great  price. 

Manufactures  and  Commerce.  I'hese  are  of  little  impor- 
tance. Linen  is  made  in  Silesia  ;  and  some  glass,  iron, 
and  paper,  is  manufactured  in  other  parts. 

The  exports  are  amber,  timber,  corn,  skins,  leather,  flar, 
and  hemp,  lii  ret'.jm,  tliL-y  receive  wine  and  olher  prod- 
ucts of  che  soir.h  cf  Europe. 

Language  ar..l  L.lurauire.  The  language  is  German,  ex- 
cept in  the  PoiiU:!  provinces.  Frederick  the  great  was  one 
of  th';  most  distinguished  autiiois  tlie  kingdom  has  pro- 
duced, L'teiature  and  educaiicn  are  almost  entirely 
Bp"lectcd. 

Y 


£60  F'RUSStA. 

Government  and  Religion.  The  government  is  kn  absolute 
twonirchy.  No  senate  or  delegates  of  the  people  are 
known  in  the  kingdom.  The  prevailing  religion  former- 
ly was  Lutheranibm  ;  bnt  since  the  acquisitions  in  Poland, 
the  greater  part  of  the  inhabitants  are  probably  Roman 
Catholics. 

^^rw«.  The  Prussian  army  amounts  to  about  200,000j 
including  40,000  cavalry. 

Cities.  KoNiGiBERG,  on  the  river  Pregel,  is  the  capi- 
tal, containing-  5fi,4rOO  inhabitants,  and  enjoying  an  exten- 
sive commerce.  Ic  has  an  university,  with  38  prefessors. 
The  city  is  adorned  witli  many  elegant  palaces. 

Warsaw,  the  former  capital  of  Poland,  stands  on  the 
Vistula,  containing  3578  houses,  and  64-5000  inhabitantSj 
notwithstanding  the  population  was  so  much  thinned  by 
the  destructive  sword  of  Suwarrovv. 

Dan Tz  I  c  contains  5355  houses,  and  42,000  inhabit- 
ants. It  was  known  as  a  co.mmercial  city  as  early  as  the 
tentli  century, 

Th.e  city  of  Thorn,  celebrated  as  the  birth  place  of  the 
famous  astronomer,  Copernicus,  has  8300  inhabitants. 

History.  Prussia  was  anciently  inhabited  by  an  idola- 
tr  us  and  cruel  people.  Conrad,  duke  of  Masovia,  about 
the  middle  of  the  thirteenth  century,  attacked  those  peo- 
ple with  success  ;  and,  after  a  bloody  war  of  fifty  years, 
reduced  them  to  obedience,  and  obliged  them  to  embrace 
Cliristianity.  In  1525,  Albeit,  margrave  of  Blandenburg, 
having  made  himself  master  of  all  Prussia,  ceded  the  west- 
trn  part  to  the  king  oi  Poland,  and  was  acknowledged 
duke  of  the  eastern  pait,  but  to  be  held  as  a  fief  of  that 
kingdom.  The  elector  Frederick  William,  surnamed  the 
Great,  by  a  treaty  with  Poland,  in  J  656,  obtained  a  con- 
firm^ation  of  this  part  of  Prussia  to  him  and  his  heirs,  free 
from  vassalage  ;  and,  in  1663,  he  was  declared  independ- 
ent and  sovereign  duke,  in  J  701,  Frederick,  son  of  Fred- 
erick William  the  Great,  raised  the  dutchy  of  Prussia  to  a 
kingdom,  and,  in  a  solemn  assembly  of  the  states  of  the 
empire,  placed  the  crown  with  his  own  hands  upon  his 
head  ;  soon  after  which,  he  was  acknowledged  as  king  of 
Prussia  by  all  the  other  European  powers 

Fudeiick  111.  ascended  the  'hrone  in  1740.  Hismili- 
tary  talents  and  achievements  were  splendid  and  success- 


GERMANY.  267 

ful ;  h3  excelled  no  less  as  a  poet  and  legislator,  than  as 
a  warrior  He  was  one  of  the  iiiBdel  bind  of  philosu- 
phists  ;  and  contributed,  with  Voltaire  and  others,  to 
corrupt  the  literature  and  the  religion  of  Europe.  Tlia 
late  king,  Frederick  IV.  succeeded  his  nncle  in  1786,  died 
1797,  and  was  succeeded  by  Frederick  V\^iUiam  II.  th* 
present  king. 


GERMANY. 

GERMANY  is  subdivided  into  many  states,  and  itsgci 
ography  more  perplexed  th;in  ih.i;  of  any  other  naiioiv 
on  the  globe.  It  W'^s  chieHy  beiwcen  the  iGih  and  ,31ih 
degrees  north  Luicude  ;  bounded  west  by  the  Rhir^e  and 
Holland  ;  north  by  Denmark  and  the  Baltic  ;  east  by  the 
Austrian  dominions;  sotiih  by  Italy  and  Switzerland. 
Its  length,  from  the  Pjaltic  north  to  the  Mfdilc:;  anean 
soutl],  is  6  >0  miles  ;  its  breadth,  f;om  the  Rlt'ne  wt-bt  to 
Silesia  ea«.v,  is  about  5D0.  Since  the  confeJeratiorj  of  the 
R''.ine.  the  resignation  of  the  emperor,  in  !  SOG,  of  h'.s  title 
of  Emperor  of  Germany,  ih.e  erection  of  t!-.e  kiiigdom  vt 
^^''estpha!ia,  and  utlv^r  cirangesj  this  cou:itiy  has  beer,  in 
a  broken  aud  nncertaiti  stale. 

PoUtica!  Divhlon:.  Germ  my  was  formerly  divided  in- 
to tea  circles  ;  but  the  seventecii  provinces,  whic!)  consti- 
tuted the  circle  oi  Burgundy,  hiving  been  Jong  detaclied 
from  the  empire,  the  division  in  lS(~o'  was  that  of  nine  cir- 
cles, which  were  Upper  Saxonv,  Upper  Rhine,  Austria, 
I^ovver  Saxony,  Lower  Rhine,  Bavaria,  Westphalia,  Fran- 
conia,  Suabia.     Other  changes  have  since  been  made. 

Rvcn  and  l.ikss.  At  the  head  of  German  rivers  stands 
the  Danube  or  Donaw,  so  called  from  the  swiftness  of  the 
current.  I:  rises  in  Suabia  ;  and,  from  Vienna  to  Bel- 
grade in  Hungary,  it  is  so  broad,  tliat  in  the  wars  between 
the  Turks  and  Christians,  shijis  of  vr.irh.ave  been  engaged 
on  it.  it  contains  a  vast  nuniber  of  cataracts  and  whirl- 
pools; its  stream  is  rapid,  and  its  course,  without  reckoninj^ 
turnings  and  windings,  is  computed  to  be  1620  miles. 

The  Drave  and  liess  are  noble  branches  (  f  the  Danube. 
The  Inn,  another  branch,  rises  in  the  cast  of  Switzc-land, 
and  has  a  course  of  about  2:)0  niiles. 


26S  GERMANY. 

The  Elbe  rises  in  the  Sadetic  mountains  of  Silesia,  and 
enters  the  iea  near  Cuxhaven,  after  a  course  of  more  than 
500  miies.  Jt  is  navigable  for  ships,  in  high  tides,  to 
Hamburg.  Not  far  to  the  west  is  the  mouth  of  the  Weser. 
The  inundations  of  this  stream  are  terrible  ;  the  towns  and 
villages  on  its  banks  become  islands. 

The  Rhine  is  a  noble  river,  having  a  course  of  about  six 
hundred  miles ;  the  Necker  and  Maine  are  its  generous 
tributary  streams. 

The  chief  lakes  of  Germany  are  those  of  Constance  and 
Bregentz  ;  the  Chiemsee,  or  the  lake  of  Bavaria  ;  and  the 
Zirtchnit/er  sea,  in  the  datchy  of  Carniola,  whose  waters 
ctien  run  off  and  return  again  in  an  extraordinary  manner. 

Gcrminny  contains  large  noxious  bodies  of  standing  wa- 
ter, wliich  are  next  to  pesilieniial,  and  afflict  the  neighbor- 
ir.^r  natives  v,'ith  many  deplorable  disorders. 

Government.  The' pnii-.icai  constitution  of  Germany  is 
T(K):c  i.Tiricaie  than  th:(.t  of  any  other  European  country. 
The  terri'o)y  is  divided  i:::o  a  vast  number  of  independ- 
ent sovereignties,  extremely  disproportionate  in  extent  and 
conseq'ic-nce,  but  all  \}xi\'n^d  into  a  kind  of  federal  republic, 
iiHviiig  i^if  irs  head  an  elective  emperor.  The  great  diet 
of  ilij  em o'.e  h  com:;o;ed  cf  deleyates  from  all  the  inde- 
pendonL  s':»:<-^ 

Principal  Siaii's.  V\''e  shall  briefly  notice  the  principal 
states  of  Gerniiiny,  and  i}ieir  chief  cities. 

BR  ANUF.NIjURG  contalnsSl  cii.ies,  19  market  towns, 
about  1917  royal  and  noble  villages,  20!^7  ancient  villages, 
1971  Luiheran  churches,'  and  80  Calvinistical  churches. 
The  populaiion  of  BraT^dcnbuig  amounts  to  7.55,577 
souls.  The  religion  of  the  country  id  Lutheran  ;  but  the 
king  of  Prussia,  who  is  also  elector  of  Brandenburg,  and 
those  of  his  court,  are  Calvinists.  The  Roman  Catholics 
are  tolerated  ;  and  every  inhabitant  enjoys  liberty  ot  con- 
'science.  There  is  an  university  at  Frankfort  on  the  Oder, 
and  an  academy  of  sciences  at  Berlin. 

Berlin,  on  the  river  Sprey,  is  the  royal  residence,  and 
contains  1.56,000  inhabitants.  It  is  chiefly  remarkable  for 
the  elegance  of  its  buildings. 

Brandenburg  is  but  a  small  city,  containing  only  10,300 
inhabitants.  Fk  ankkort,  on  the  Oder,  has  10,^00;  and 
l^'oTSDAM,  whicii  is  freqnently  the  royal  residence,  18,000. 


GERMANS.  260' 

SILESIA.  To  the  king  of  Prussia  belongs  also  the 
dutchy  of  Silesia,  274>  miles  long,  and  100  broad. 

The  principal  rivers  are  the  Oder,  Vistula,  Neisse,  Bo- 
ber,  Queis,  Oppa  and  Else,  A  long  chain  of  mountains 
separates  Silesia  from  Bohemia  ;  the  highest  mountain, 
called  Zotcnburg,  is  in  the  principality  of  Schweidnitz,  and 
is  iO-t  miles  in  circumference.  The  principal  manufac- 
ture is  linen  cloth  ;  there  are  some  woollen  manufactures, 
and  glass  houses.  Silesia  is  divided  into  the  Upper  and 
Lower;  in  the  Upper,  the  inhabitants  are  generally  Ro- 
man Catholics,  speaking  the  Polish  language.  Between 
this  country  and  the  United  States,  a  consitterable  trade  is 
carried  on,  by  the  way  of  Hamburg,  In  the  Lower,  they 
are  almost  ail  protestants,  and  speak  their  mother  tongue. 
It  is  also  divided  into  17  small  dutchies,  and  7  free  states, 
exclusive  of  the  county  of  Giatz,  In  Silesia  there  are 
4-2,000  infantry,  and  1 0,030  cavalry.  The  greatest  part 
of  this  country  was  ceded  to  the  king  of  Prussia,  in  1742, 
by  the  treaty  of  Breslaw.  Silesia  surrendered  to  France, 
by  capitulation,  on  the  1  .Gth  of  June,  1807.  Breslaw, 
the  capital,  contains  63,000  inhabitants. 

SAXONY  proper,  or  the  electorate  of  Saxony,  in  tlie 
circle  of  Upper  Saxony,  is  15  n;iles  long,  and  60  broad. 
It  is  a  very  fertile  and  commercial  country  abounding  in 
mines.  It  is  cut  into  two  unequal  part^  by  the  river  Elbe, 
and  has  three  civil  divisions,  viz.  the  dutchy  of  Saxony,  of 
■which  WiRTF.MBERG  is  the  capital  ;  Lu;alia,  of  which 
Bautzen  is  the  capital  ;  and  Misnia,  the  caj)ifal  of  whicli,- 
and  of  the  vyhcle  electorate,  is  Dresden,  at  t.'ie  conflux  of 
the  Elbe  and  Weserritz.  Dresden  contains  2614  housesj 
and  49,000  inhabitants.  Its  chief"  manufactures  are  ser- 
ges, shalloons,  stockings,  lir.ert,  silk,  gla'^s,  and  porcelain. 

HANOV^ER.  The  electorate  of  Elanover  compre- 
hends the  dutchies  cf  Zell,  Saxe,  Lauenburg,  Bremen,  Lu- 
neburg,  the  princi!)alities  of  Calc;iburg,  Vtrden-Giuben- 
hagen,  Diepholz,  Ploya,  Oberw.jid,  &:c.  The  inhabitants 
are  computed  at  8.50,000.  In  lh05,  this  electorate  was 
conqueted  by  France,  and  exchanged  with  Piuisia  for 
three  of  her  provinces.  \\\  1S(7,  it  was  annexed  to  the 
new  kingd'jm  of  Westphalia.  The  capital  city  Is  Hano. 
TER,  on  the  liver  Lcine,  and  lias  21,:3(>'0  inhab'itant.';. 

BAVARL'-.     The  dutchy  or  ckctou-ie  of  i,-.vaiin 
Y2 


270  GERMANY. 

comprehends  the  greater  part  of  the  circle,  and  Is  divided^ 
into  Upper  and  Lower  Bavaria,  and  the  Upper  Palatinateo- 
The  length  is  about  150  miles,  tlie  breadth  J  20.  Upper 
Bavaria  is  for  the  most  part  mountainous,  cold  and  bar- 
ren, producing  little  corn,  and  less  wine  ;  but  it  is  covered 
with  forests,  interspersed  with  large  and  small  lakes,  and 
abounds  in  cattle, wildfowl, game, baths, medicinal  springs^ 
and  salt  works.  It  is  also  enriched  with  mines  of  silver, 
copper,  lead,  and  iron.  Lower  Bavaria  being  much  more- 
level,  is  more  fertile,  and  produces  plenty  of  grain,  pas- 
turage and  fruit.  The  chief  rivers  of  this  dutchy  are  the 
Danube,  Iser,  Inn,  Leek,  Nab,  Atmuhl,  and  the  Regen. 

The  established  religion  of  Bavaria  is  the  Roman  Cath- 
olic. The  number  of  inhabitants  in  this  dutchy  is  estimat- 
ed by  Hoecli  at  1,339,900,  and  the  regular  military  force 
at  12,000.  The  principal  nianufactures  of  the  country, 
are  those  of  coarse  woollen  cloth,  silk  and  woollen  stuffs, 
velvet,  tapestry,  stockings,  clocks  and  watches  The  prin- 
cipal exports  are  wheat,  cattle,  wood,  salt,  and  iron.  The 
Bavarians  are  little  distinguislied  in  liteiature  j  but  are  a 
vigorous  race,  adapted  to  the  fatigues  of  war.  Ther 
have  an  university  at  Ingolsladt,  and  an  academy  of  sci- 
ences  at  Munich. 

WIRTEMBERG  is  a  dutchy  in  the  circle  of  Suabia. 
It  is  one  of  the  most  populous  and  fertile  states  of  Ger- 
many, though  there  are  many  mountains  and  woods.  It 
contains  mines  and  salt  Siprings.  Siutgard,  near-  the 
Necker,  is  the  capital.  It  is  the  seat  of  an  university,  and 
an  academy  of  sciences  ;  and  has  22,680  inhabitants. 

BADEN,  a  margravate  of  Suabia,  is  divided  into  the 
Upper  and  the  Lower.  It  is  a  populous  and  fertile  coun- 
try, abounding  with  corn,  hernp.  flax,  beeswax,  wood,  and 
Vf'me,  and  contains  200,000  inhabitants.  The  annual  rev- 
enue is  estimated  at  1,200,000  florins  ;  and  the  military 
establishment  consists  of  ^000  men,  of  whom  300  are 
cavalry. 

Baden  is  the  capital,  with  a  castle  on  the  top  of  .1 
mountain,  where  the  prince  often  resides.  It  has  2400 
inhabitants. 

HESSE-CASSEL,  a  principality  in  the  circle  of  Up- 
per Rhine,  is  80  miles  long  ;  the  breadth  unequal.  Th.3 
air  is  wholesome  :  the  soil  fertile  iij   corn  and  pastures. 


GERMANY.  271 

which  feed  multitudes  of  cattV  ;  the  sides  of  the  hills  are 
covered  with  vines;  game,  fish,  fruit,  and  honey  abound. 
The  principal  rivers  are  the  Rhine  and  tlie  Mairie.  Tha 
annual  revenue  of  Hesse-Cassel  is  estimated  at  about 
1,200,000  rix  dollars.  This  state  now  makes  a  part  of 
the  new  kingdom  of  Westphalia,  established  by  Bonaparte^ 
August  18,  1807. 

MECKLENBURG  is  a  dutchy  in  the  circle  of  Lower 
Saxony,  abounding  in  corn,  p;istures,  and  game.  It  is 
1'20  miles  long,  and  60  broad  ;  containing  :)00,000  in- 
habitants. ScHv/tRiN  and  New  Strelit/,  are  the  chief 
cities  ;  the  foraier  has  9800  inhabitants. 

BRUNSWICK,  DU  f  CHY,  is  a  district  of  Lower  Sax- 
ony. The  territory  of  the  duke  of  Brunswick,  commonly 
called  the  principahty  of  Wolienbuttle,  from  a  less  im- 
portant town  than  Brunswick,  includes  l'i-72  square  miles, 
and  170,000,  or  as  some  say,  l.S5,0(J0,  inhabitants.  It  is 
fertile  in  corn  and  pastures,  and  abounds  with  mines  and 
game  j  it  has  also  several  medicinal  spiings,  and  extensive 
forests. 

Brunswick,  the  capital,  is  the  residence  of  the  prince, 
and  has  31,700  inhabitants.  Ic  was  once  one  of  the  Hans 
towns,  and  governed  as  a  republic. 

BRISGAW  is  a  territor;  of  Siiabia,  on  the  east  of  tha 
Rhine.  One  part  belongs  to  the  house  of  Austria,  of 
which  Friburg  is  the  capital,  and  has  8700  inhabitants  ; 
and  the  other  to  the  house  of  Baden. 

Nassau  is  a  county  of  the  circle  of  Upper  Rhine, 
very  fertile,  abounding  in  mines.  It  has  272,000  inhabit- 
ants.     Nassau,  on  the  river  Lahn,  is  the  capital. 

POMERANI  A,  a  dutchy  of  Upper  Saxony,  is  a  strip  of 
land  lying  on  the  borders  of  the  Baltic  ;  60  geographical 
miles  in  length,  l:i  in  breadth.  It  is  a  flat  country,  but 
has  some  fev  mountains ;  the  highest  of  which  is  the 
Choltcnherg,  between  Cceslin  and  Zanow.  In  some  places 
part  of  the  soil  is  sandy,  but  in  general  it  is  rich  and  fertile. 
The  trees  arc  very  fine,  especially  the  oaks.  Tliis  couufry 
is  famous  for  a  breed  of  excellent  geese  of  a  vt-ry  large 
size.  Pomerania  contains  68  towns  and  about  46,()0Q 
souls.  Several  of  these  towns  have  large  rnanulaclories. 
Pomerania  is  divided  into  Anterior  and  Ulterior  That 
part  of  Anterior  Pomerania,  wlilch  belongs  to  Sweden  ij 


272.  GERMANY. 

composed,!.  Of  the  island  and  principality  of  Rugen- 
This  island,  now  almost  a  mile  distant  from  the  continent 
of  which  it  was  formerly  a  part,  is  49  miles  in  circumfer- 
ence. 2.  Of  the  county  of  Stralsund,  the  chief  town  of 
which  bearing  the  same  name,  is  tlie  capital  of  Swedish 
Pomerania,  and  is  situated  on  the  straight  of  Gellen,  be- 
tween the  terra  firma  and  the  isle  of  Rugen.  3.  Of  the 
principality  of  Bath,  which  is  10  miles  long,  and  6  broad. 
4.  Of  the  county  of  Gutzhow.  5.  Of  tiie  Barony  of  Wol- 
gast.  These  different  counties  contain  about  160,000 
inhabitants ;  and  produce  an  annual  income  of  240,000 
rix  dollars. 

ANH  ALT  is  a  principality  of  Upper  Saxony.  In  this 
principality  are  19  towns  and  2  boroughs,  and  the  num- 
ber of  inhabitants  is  about  100,000.  The  ho<ise  of  An- 
halt  is  one  of  the  most  illustrious  of  Germany.  The  prin- 
cipal rivers  are  the  Elbe,  Mulde,  Saala,  Whipper,  and 
Seik.  Tj)(e  annual  produce  of  the  whole  principality  of 
Anhalt  isf  estimated  at  between  5  and  600,000  rix  dollars. 
HANS  TOWNS,  or  Hanseatic  Union,  was  a  name 
given  to  a  confederacy  of  commercial  seaports,  formed  in 
1241 ,  for  the  protection  of  their  trade  against  pirates.  At 
one  time  72  cities  were  in  the  list  of  Hans  Towns.  Their 
ships  were  ofien  hired  by  sovvreigns  at  war  ;  their  power 
finally  gave  umbrage  to  several  princes.  The  cities  of 
Germany  for  a  while  continued  the  confederacy,  but  it 
was  finally  reduced  to 

Inhabitants. 
Hamburg-  1 1 9,000 

Lubec  4.5,000 

Bremen  50,000 

Danlzic  84,000 


298,000 
Each  of  these  cities  now  carjies  on  a  separate  trade. 

Germany  contains  many  imperial  c-ties,  which  are  a 
sort  of  little  commonwealths,  wiiich  own  no  other  head 
but  the  emperor,  and  of  which  the  chief  magistrates  are 
so'^ereigns. 


AUSTRIAN  DOMINIONS.  273 


AUSTRIA. 

THE  dominions  of  the  House  of  Austria,  which  lie 
within  the  limits  of  the  German  empire,  are  the  whole 
circle  of  Austria,  comprehending  the  archdutchy  of  Aus- 
tria, the  dutchies  of  Stiria,  Carniola,  and  Carinihia,  and 
the  county  of  Tyrol :  and  the  Burgau  and  Black  forest, 
in  the  circle  of  Suabia. 

These  territories  are  mountainous  and  woody  in  some 
parts,  in  others  flat  and  very  fertile.  The  climate  is  salu- 
brious, arid  the  prodactions  are  similar  to  those  of  ih<? 
otiier  German  states. 

The  whole  Austrian  dominions  contain,  according  to 
Hassel,  23,570,000  souls.  Their  religion  is  tlie  Roman 
Caiholic.  Their  system  of  education  is  indifferent ;  and 
the  claims  of  Austria  to  literary  fame  are  small. 

The  emperor  of  Germany,  who  is  archduke  of  the  house 
of  Austria,  is  absolute  in  all  his  dominions.  The  States 
of  Austria  consist  of  four  orders,  clergy,  nobles,  knights, 
and  burgesses.  The  revenue  is  computed  at  3,000,000/. 
sterling. 

ViEssA,  on  the  Danube,  is  the  capital  of  the  circle  of 
Austria,  and  of  the  whole  German  eriipire,  containing 
2.3i;000  inhabitants.  The  chief  public  buildings  are  the 
imperial  palace,  tlie  libiary,  the  museum,  and  a  great 
number  of  palaces.  The  archducal  library  is  much  fre- 
quented by  foreigners;  it  contains  100,000  printed  books, 
and  10;000  manuscripts.  A  cabinet  (;f  curiosities,  belong- 
ing to  the  house  of  Austria,  is  a  great  rarity.  The  sub- 
urbs of  this  city  contam  200,000  inhabitants. 

AUSTRIAN  DOMINIONS. 

BESIDE  the  circle  of  Austria,  just  described,  there  are 
various  other  portions  of  Europe  connected  with  Germany 
and  subject  to  the  house  of  Austria.  These  are,  1.  Bohe- 
mia, 2.  Moravia,  3.  Hungary,  4-.  Transylvania,  5.  Sclavo- 
ni:i,  G.  Crcatia,  7.  Dalmacia,  8.  Part  of  the  late  kingdom  of 
Poland,  now  styled  Galicii  and  Lodomina.  The  popula- 
tion of  these  is  included  in  ilie  number  already  mentioned. 


274  AUSTRIAN  DOMINIONS. 

BOHEMIA,  in  length  is  about  162  miles;  its  breadth 
142.  In  1801,  the  kingdom  of  Bohemia  is  stated  by  M. 
Hoeck  to  contain  96'-2^  square  miles,  250  cities,  308  mar- 
ket towns,  11,455  villages,  and  the  total  population 
2,806,943.     Hassel  says,  3,229,G0a 

Bohemia  is  one  of  the  highest  countries  in  Europe,  and 
forms  a  large  extended  plain,  encircled  by  high  hills  cov- 
ered with  wood.  The  vale  is  watered  by  the  Elbe,  the 
Muldaw,  and  the  Egra.  Its  mountains  are  the  richest  in 
Europe,  in  gold,  silver,  precious  stones,  copper,  quick-sil- 
ver, iron,  lead,  tin,  sulphur,  and  sail  petre. 

The  natives  of  this  country  are  singularly  robust,  a'nd 
strong  built,  handsom?,  except  their  large  heads,  active, 
shrewd,  courageous  and  sincere.  The  gentry  are  ingenu- 
ous, brave,  and  more  inclined  to  arms  than  arts.  Learn- 
ing in  Bohemia  is  in  a  low  slate,  though  the  king  Joni  h.is 
1  university,  12  gymnasia,  2219  German  schools,  200 
schools  of  industiy,  and  33  ladies'  schools.  Bohemia  has 
great  manufactures  of  linen,  wool,  silk,  paper,  glass,  leath- 
er, &c.  The  number  of  soldiers  to  be  furnished  by  Bohe- 
mia, in  the  time  of  peace,  is  54,9o4  ;  and  ia  time  of  war, 
76,896.  Tiie  established  religion  of  Bohemia  is  popery  ;• 
but  there  are  many  protestants,  who,  with  the  Jews,  are 
novv  tolerated  by  tne  wise  rcgiilations  of  Joseph  II.  in  the 
free  exercise  of  their  religion 

The  capital  of  ikihemia  is  Prague,  a  large  and  famous 
city,  i5  miles  in  circumference.  It  contains  70,000 
Christians,  and  12,000  Jews.  The  Muldaw  runs  through 
the  city,  over  which  is  a  bridge  of  18  arches. 

MOR.WIA  is  a  marquisate  annexed  to  Bohemia.  It 
is  a  m.)untainous  councry,  yet  very  iettlle  and  populous, 
watered  by  a  great  nuniber  of  rivers  and  biooks.  The 
number  of  towns,  villages,  and  market  tovrns  in  Moravia, 
has  been  estimated  at  2550,  and  its  inhabitants  at 
4,138,000.  The  language  of  the  inhabitants  is  a  dialect 
of  the  Sclavonic,  resembling  the  Bohemian.  The  German 
langua<:^e  is  common  in  Moravia.  It  takes  its  name  from 
the  river  Moravia,  which  runs  through  it ;  and  hence  the 
sect  of  Christians,  called  Moravians  take  their  name,  their 
doctrines  having  been  first  taught  here. 

BRUNN,at  ihe  confluence  of  the  rivers  Zwiita  and  Swartj 
is  the  capital,  and  has  23,600  inhabitants. 


AUSTRIAbJDOMmiONS.  '275 

HUNGARY  is  bounded  north  by  the  Carpathian 
mountains,  east  by  Transylvania,  South  by  Sclavonidj 
from  which  it  is  separated  by  the  Drave  and  Servia,  west 
by  Moravia,  Austria,  and  Stiria.  The  country  towards 
the  north  is  mountainous  and  barren  ;  the  air  is  cold  ;  but 
healthy.  Near  the  Danube  the  soil  is  level  and  sandy,  the 
climate  temperate,  and  the  air  moist.  To  the  south  are 
extensive  plains,  very  fertile  ;  the  climate  hot  ;  and  th6 
air  unwholesome.  The  level  country  produces,  abund- 
antly, corn  of  every  kind,  excellent  fruit,  wines,  celebrated 
for  their  strength  and  goodness,  legumes,  hemp,  aspara- 
gus, melons,  saffron,  tobacco,  8ic.  The  forests  are  beau- 
tiful, and  the  meadows  feed  numerous  herds  of  cattle,  of 
\vhich  the  inhabitants  yearly  export  more  than  100,000. 
Horses,  buffaloes,  asses,  mules,  sheep,  goats,  and  swine, 
are  bred,  not  only  sufHcient  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  in- 
habitants, but  form  objects  of  commerce  ;  chamois,  deei-, 
and  bears  are  found  in  the  forests  and  mountains.  The 
waters  are  well  supplied  with  fish,  and  the  woods  with 
game. 

The  mountains  contain  gold,  silver-,  iron,  lead,  quick- 
silver, antimony,  orpiment,  sulphur,  vitriol,  marcasite, 
salt,  salt  petre,  load  stone,  different  kinds  of  marble,  ala- 
baster, precious  stones,  and  a  metal  hardly  known  else- 
where, called  by  the  Hungarians,  zinnopel,  &c.  There 
are  many  mineral  springs,  both  warm  and  cold. 

The  principal  mountains  are  the  Carpathian  and  Cra- 
pac.  The  chief  rivers  are  the  Danube,  Drave,  and 
Leitha. 

This  kingdom,  long  wasted  by  war,  is  beginning  to  be 
populous  ;  it  has  few  large  towns,  all  are  ill  built  and  filled 
\v;*.]i  ruir.'.  Hungarians  and  Sclavonlans  are  considered 
as  the  only  native  inhabitants. 

The  doctrines  of  t!;e  reformation  were  at  first  preached 
here  wiih  success  ;  but,  in  1681,  the  proteslants  were  in- 
terdicted from  having  more  than  two  churches  in  a  county, 
some  of  which  include  ICO  towns,  and  yet  their  number 
is  greatly  superior  to  the  Roman  Catholics.  The  king- 
dom of  Hungar)  can  easily  raise  an  army  of  100,000 
men,  of  which  50,000  aie  in  pay,  and  the  like  number  is 
furnished  f.y  the  provinces.  Th.e  infantry  are  called  hey- 
ilucks,  and  the  cavalry  hussars,     ""J'he  number  of  inhabit- 


2Y6  AUSTRIAN  DOMINIONS. 

ants,  including  Transylvania,  is  estimated  at  9,859,000. 
Presburg,  which  has  32,000  inhabitants,  is  the  capital  of 
Upper  Hungary  ;  Buda  of  Lower  Hungary. 

TRANSYLVANIA  is  162  miles  long,  and  150  broad, 
^nd  surrounded  on  all  parts  by  high  mountains,  which  are 
not  barren.  It  produces  a  supply  of  corn  and  wine  ;  and 
has  rich  mines. 

It  has  undergone  various  revolutions ;  but  now  belongs 
to  the  house  of  Austria.  The  peasants  are  real  slaves  ; 
4  days  of  the  6  they  labor  for  their  masters.  The  prov- 
ince pays  to  the  emperor  1,500,000  florins  annually.  The 
inhabitants  are  Roman  Catholics,  Lutherans,  Calvinists, 
Socinians,  Arniiniaus,  Greeks,  and  Mahometans.  The 
government  is  conducted  by  12  persons;  viz.  3  Roman 
Catholics,  8  Lutherans,  3  Calvinists,  and  3  Socinians. 
Herman STAOT  is  the  capital. 

SCLAVONIAlies  between  the  rivers  Save,  Drave,  and 
Danube.  It  is  divided  into  6  counties,  and  is  300  miles 
long,  75  broad.  The  eastern  part  is  called  Raizia,  and 
the  inhabitants  Rascians.  These  form  a  particular  na- 
tion, and  are  of  the  Greek  church.  The  language  of 
Sclavonia  is  the  root  of  four  ethers;  those  of  Hungary, 
Bohemia,  Poland,  and  Russia.   It  has  470,500  inhabitants. 

CROATIA  is  a  part  of  the  ancient  Pannonia  Superior, 
or,  according  to  others,  of  lllyricum,  bounded  north  by 
Hungary,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  the  river  Drave, 
about  150  miles  in  length,  and  from  40  to  60  in  breadth. 
The  Croatians  derive  their  origin  from  the  Sclavonians. 

The  principal  rivers  of  Croatia  are  the  Corana  and  the 
Save.     It  has  777,500  inhabitants. 

DALMATIA.  Hungarian  Dalmatia  lies  on  the  up- 
per part  of  the  Adriatic  sea,  containing  part  of  the  an- 
cient Liburnia,  and  is  more  generally  called  Morlachia. 
The  Dalmatians  are  Roman  Catholics,  The  rivers  of 
Dalmatia  are  short  and  mostly  navigable.  The  country 
is  mountainous,  but  not  unfruitful  ;  dives,  vines,  myrtles, 
and  a  great  variety  of  palatable  and  wholesome  vegetables 
grow  upon  the  rnoantains,  litside  tieafures  of  gold  aad 
silver  0(2  within  them.     Il  has  fertile  plains,  and  a  suffi- 


GREAT-BRITAIN.  277 

cfenty  of  horned  cattle,  and  large  numbers  of  slieep.     The 
air  is  temperate  and  pure. 

GALICIA  5s  a  large  conntry  in  the  south  of  Poland, 
embnicing  that  part  of  Little  Poland  on  the  south  side  of 
the  Vistula,  almost  the  whole  of  Red  Russia,  and  a  slip  of 
Podolia.  It  was  forcibly  seized  by  the  Austrians  in  1772, 
and  incorporated  into  the  Austrian  dominions,  under  the 
appellation  of  the  kingdoms  of  Galicia  and  Lodomiria. 
The  population  of  Galicia  and  Lodomiria  is  2,580,796. 
The  mountainous  parts  produce  fine  pastures ;  the  plains 
are  mostly  sandy,  but  abound  in  forests,  and  are  fertile  in 
corn.  The  principal  articles  of  traffic  are  cattle,  hides, 
wax,  and  honey  ;  and  these  countries  contain  mines  of 
copper,  lead,  iron,  and  salt,  of  which  the  latter  are  the  most 
valuable.  Lemburg,  or  Leopold,  is  the  capital  of  the 
whole  country,  which  extends  i^SO  miles  from  east  to  west ; 
its  greatest  breadth  being  190  miles. 


GREAT-BRITAIN. 


THE  British  empire  consists  of  two  large  islands, 
Great-Britain  and  Ireland,  and  agreat  number  of  small 
ones,  all  situated  in  the  North- Atlantic  ocean,  between  50 
and  61  degrees  of  north  latitude,  and  between  64?  and  77 
degiees  east  longitude.  These  islands  formerly  constitut- 
ed the  three  separate  and  independent  kingdoms  of  Eng- 
land, Scotland,  and  Ireland,  but  aie  now  united  under  one 
sovereign,  and  one  form  of  government. 

Great  Britain  is  the  most  considerable  island  of  Europe, 
comprehending  the  two  ancient  kingdoms  of  England  and 
Scotland,  and  the  principality  of  Wales.  Its  length  from 
Lizard  Point,  in  50*^,  to  Dungsby-Head,  5S"  30'  N.  lat.  is 
590  miles  ;  its  breadth  is  about  488  miles.  It  is  separat- 
ed from  Germany,  on  the  east,  by  that  part  of  the  Atlantic 
called  the  German  ocean  ;  the  British  channel  separates  it 
from  France  on  the  south  ;  and  on  the  west  it  is  divided 
from  Ireland  by  the  Irish  sea. 
Z 


ENGLAND. 


ENGLAND, 

THE  principal  division  of  the  British  empire  is  bouncl- 
ed  north  by  Scotland,  east  by  the  German  ocean,  south 
hy  the  English  channel,  west  by  the  Atlantic  ocean, 
Wales,  and  the  Irish  sea.  It  is  divided  into  40  counties, 
and  contains  two  archbishops,  and  21'  bishops,  who  are 
peers  of  the  realm,  appointed  by  the  king. 

Climate,  Soil,  and  Ptoductions.  The  climate  is  healthy, 
though  frequent  and  sudden  changes  happen  in  the  weath- 
er, wiiich  render  the  harvests  precarious  ;  yet  rarely  does 
the  industrious  husbandman  fail  of  being  rewarded  by  a 
profitable  crop.  The  soil  of  England  differs  in  different 
counties  ;  wheat,  barley,  oats,  rye,  French  wheat,  beans, 
and  peas,  are  the  principal  productions.  Apples,  pears, 
plums,  cherries,  peaches,  nectarines,  apricots,  figs,  grapes, 
and  other  fruits,  are,  by  the  skill  of  the  English  gardeners, 
raised  in  the  greatest  plenty  and  variety. 

Lakes  and  bays.  The  lakes  of  England  are  few  In  num- 
ber, and  inconsiderable  in  extent.  Various  bays,  creeks, 
and  inlets  of  the  sea  are  formed  all  round  the  coast. 

Rivers.  The  principal  rivers  of  England  are  the 
Thames,  Severn,  Trent,  Tyne,  Medway,  Humber,  Mer- 
sey, Tamer.  The  Thames  is  navigable  for  large  ships  to 
London  bridge.  Its  principal  branches  are  the  Cherwes, 
the  Mole,  and  the  Dee.  The  Severn  Is  probably  the  long- 
est river  of  England,  having  a  semicircular  course  of  150 

miles. 

Mountains.  The  mountains  of  England  do  not  aspire  to 
the  sublime  heights  cf  the  American  mountains,  or  even 
those  of  other  European  countries.  The  Cheviot  hills  are 
iimong  the  principal.  A  central  ridge  of  hills  passes 
throutih  the  kingdom,  from  north  to  south. 

lilmeral  V/aiers.  The  waters  of  Bath  have  been  cele- 
brated for  several  centuries.  The  hot  wells  of  Tunbridge, 
Buxton,  and  Scarborough,  are  all  esteemed  highly  bene- 
nc'.al  in  various  diseases. 

Mines.  England  possesses  a  great  treasure  in  its  inex- 
haustible coal  mines,  which  are  worked  chiefly  in  the  north- 
ern counties,  whence  the  coal  Is  conveyed  by  sea,  and  by 
■  he  inlind  canals,  to  every  part  of  the  kingdom. 


ENGLAND.  279 

Copper,  tin,  lead,  and  iron  are  found  in  great  abundance 
in  Great-Britain,  where  there  is  made  every  yearlVoni  50. 
to  60,000  tons  of  pig  iron,  and  fronn  20  to  130,000  tons  of 
bar  iron. 

Manufactures  ami  Commerce.  The  manufactures  in  Eng- 
land are,  confessedly,  v/ith  very  few  exceptions,  niperior 
to  those  of  other  countries.  Fur  this  superiority,  ihey  are 
nearly  equally  indebted  to  national  character,  to  the  situ- 
ation of  their  country,  and  to  their   excellent  constitution. 

The  commerce  of  Great-Britain  is  immense  and  incttas- 
ing.  The  privileged  trading  companies,  of  which  the 
East- India  Company  is  the  prlncipalj  carry  on  the  most 
important  foreign  commerce. 

Populallcn.  The  population  of  England  is  commonly 
estimated  at  between  eight  and  nine  millions,  liassel 
reckons  the  number  at  9,4 13, 000. 

Religion.  The  established  religion  of  England  is  ilie 
Episcopil  church,  of  wliich  the  king  is  the  he.id.  All  oili- 
er denominations  of  Christians  and  Jews  are  tolejated. 
Their  clergy  are  numerous  and  respectable. 

Language.  I'he  English  language  paiticipatos  boll;  of 
the  Goflrc  and  La:.inj  those  two  grand  sources  whence 
most  of  the  Euiopean  langLiages  are  derived  ;  and  unite*, 
in  some  degree,  the-  force  of  die  one  with  the  nicIcJy  ol' 
the  other. 

Literature  tir.d  Sciences.  Englibh  literature  is  a  vast  :uvd 
inviting  theme.  About  the  year  1 100,  it  comrnv'mccd  a 
iirm  and  steady  pace.  A  numerous  train  of  historians, 
poets,  and  otli-jr  writers,  fill  the  pages  of  bingtapJiy.  The 
grand  feature  of  £ngli.ih  literature  is  original  i-enius,  trans- 
mitted even  from  Roger  Bacon  to  Shakespeare,  Milton, 
Newton,  and  Locke,  not  to  dwell  on  claims  more  minute, 
bat  eoually  Srm.  in  the  s.':ientiFic  departments,  Kufland 
must  yield  to  France,  except  in  the  vailous  branches  of  tl;e 
mathematics.  The  present  state  of  the  arts  in  England  i: 
wortl'.y  of  io  opulent  and  refined  a  countiy,  and  the  prw- 
gresi  lias  been  rapid  beyorid  e.xuinjile. 

Education.  The  education  of  the  lower  classes  in  Eng- 
land liad  been  much  neglected,  before  the  benevolent  in- 
stitu  ion  of  the  Sunday  schools.  The  middle  and  higher 
ranks  of  English  spaic  no  expense  in  the  education  of  their 
sons,  cither  by  private   tutors   at  home,   or  at  boarding 


280  ,  ENGLAND. 

schools.  The  most  eminent  public  schools  aie  those  of 
Westminster,  Eton,  and  Winchester  ;  and  ftom  themh^ve 
arisen  some  of  the  most  distinguished  ornaments  of  the 
countr}-.  The  scholars  in  due  time  proceed  to  the  univer- 
sities of  Oxford  and  Cambridge,  foundations  of  an  extent 
and  grandeur  that  impress  veneration.  Oxford  has  17 
colleges,  and  Cambridge  16. 

Government.  The  government  of  Great-Britain  may  be 
cabled  a  limited  monarchy.  It  is  a  combination  of  mo- 
xiareliiGal  and  popular  government.  The  king  has  only 
the  excecutive  power  ;  the  legislative  is  shared  by  him  and 
the  parliament,  or  more  properly  by  the  people.  The 
♦;ro\vn  is  lisreditary  ;  boih  male  and  female  descendants 
iire  capable  of  succession.  The  king  must  profess  the 
Protestant  religion. 

Naval  and  Miutary  Fower.  In  M;drch,  1 807,  the  Brit- 
ish navy  in  commission  consisted  of  1S5  sail  of  the  line; 
iSsliips  of  from  44  to  50  guns,  155  frigates,  152  sloops 
of  war,  and  182  gun  brigs  and  smaller  vessels  ;  amount- 
ing to  C3T  vessels  of  war.  The  number  of  soldiers,  sea- 
men, &c.  is  583,000. 

Revenue  and  Debt.  The  revenue  of  Great- Britain,  in 
IS07,  was  27,000,000/.  sterling.  The  amount  of  the  na. 
lional  deb:  was  603,925,792/. 

Cit'tef.  LoNDOx,  the  metropolis  of  the  British  empire, 
js  one  of  the  largest  and  most  opulent  cities  in  the  world, 
and  was  a  considerable  commercial  place  in  the  reign  of 
Nero.  In  its  most  extensive  view,  as  the  metropolis,  ic- 
consisLs  of  the  City,  properly  so  called,  the  city  of  West- 
minster, the  borough  of  Southwark,  and  the  suburbs  in 
Middlesex  and  Surry.  The  extent  of  the  whole  is  above 
seven  miles  in  length  ;  but  the  greatest  breadth  does  not 
exceed  three.  The  inns  of  court  for  the  study  of  the  law  j 
the  colleges,  learned  societies,  and  public  seminaries  ;  the 
halls  of  the  difxerent  tradin,;  companies  ;  tlie  noble  hospit- 
als, and  other  charitable  institutions  ;  tlie  pt'son^  ;  and  the 
public  places  of  diversion,  render  this  city  deservedly  cele- 
brated. It  is  a  bishop's  see  sends  four  members  to  par- 
liament, and  contains  600,000  inhabitants. 

Liverpool  is  next  to  London  in  wealth  and  population. 
It  has  70,0(J0  inhabitants  ;  and,  before  the  abolition  act, 
employed  132  ships  in  carrying  slaves  to  the  West- Indies 


WALES.  281 

Bristol  was  formerly  reckoned  second  to  London  in  point 
of  wealth,  trade,  and  population;  but  much  of  its  com- 
merce has  passed  to  Liverpool.  Birmingham  is  noted 
for  its  vast  variety  of  useful  and  ornamented  articles,  such 
as  metal  buttons,  buckles,  plat-^d  goodsof  all  kinds,  japan, 
ned  and  paper  ware,  and  other  hard  ware  manufactures. 
The  Birmingham  goods  are  exported  to  foreign  countries. 
This  city  has  become,  according  to  the  emphatical  ex- 
pression of  a  great  orator,  the  i'.y  shop  of  Europe.  It  has 
60,000  inhabitants. 

Manchester  is  celebrated  for  its  cotton  manufactory. 
Its  m-ichinery  for  saving  manual  labor  exhibits  surprising 
ingenuity.  Portsmouth  has  a  noble  harbor,  and  heieii 
the  grand  naval  arsenal  of  England.  It  has  lately  been 
regularly  fortified  toward  the  land.  Newcastle  stands 
on  the  Tyre.  It  is  situated  in  the  midst  of  those  coal 
mines,  which  have  for  ceniuries  supplied  London  and  the 
south  of  England  with  fuel. 

History.  Britain  was  first  inhabited  by  a  tribe  of  Guuls. 
Fifty-two  years  before  the  birth  of  Christ,  Julius  Cxsar 
subjected  them  to  the  Roman  empire.  The  Romans  re- 
mained masters  of  Britain  500  years.  The  Picts,  Scots, 
and  baxons,  then  took  possession  of  the  island  1006, 
William,  duke  of  Normandy,  obtained  a  complete  victory 
over  Harold,  king  of  England,  which  is  called  the  Norman 
conquest.  In  160S,  k'^g  James  Vi  of  Seoiland,  who 
succeeded  queen  Elizabeth,  united  both  kingdoms,  under 
the  name  ot  Great- biitain.  George  1.  of  the  houie  of 
Hanover,  ascended  the  throne  in  1711,  and  the  succession 
has  since  been  regular  in  this  line.  I'he  union  of  Ireland 
with  Great- Britain  took  place,  after  a  warm  opposition, 
in  1800, 


WALES 

IS  a  principality  in  the  west  of  England,  120  miles  long, 
and  80  broid  ;  it  is  divided  inio  i:^  counties  ft  is  the 
country  t"  which  the  ancient  Biicotii  fled,  when  Britain 
was  invadij J  by  the  Saxons.  Tliey  are  now  called  Welch, 
and  preserve  iheir  own  langua^re  ItcoM  'ins75J  parish- 
es, 5^  market  towns,  and  500,000  ii;habitaBt5.  The  air 
Z.  2 


-im  SCOTLAND. 

is  clear  and  shai  p  ;  the  cattle  are  small.  Wales  is  moun- 
tainous, and  particularly  remarkable  for  goats.  It  is  wa- 
tered  by  many  considerable  rivers.  It  gives  the  title  of 
Prince  of  Wales  to  the  eldest  son  of  the  king  o/  Great- 
Britain. 


SCOTLAND, 

THE  northernmost  of  the  two  kingdoms  into  which  th?. 
island  of  Great-Britain  was  formerly  divided,  is  bounded 
wesc  by  the  Atlantic  ocean,  north  by  the  North  sea,  east 
•>y  the  German  ocean,  southeast  by  England,  south  by  the 
Irish  sea.  From  north  to  south,  it  extends  270  miles,  and 
its  greatest  breadth  is  ]  50,  but  in  some  places  not  above  30. 
It  is  divided  into  S3  counties,  most  of  which  send  one 
member  each  to  parliament. 

General  Appearance,  Soil  and  Produciiont.  Nature  seems 
to  have  pointed  out  three  grand  divisions  in  Scotland  ;  the 
north,  the  middle,  and  the  south.  The  north  divisifin  is 
chiefly  an  assemblage  of  vast,  dreary  mountitins,  wiih  some 
fertile  vallies,  on  the  northern  and  eastern  sl-.ores.  The 
middle  division  is  traversed  in  different  directions  by  ran- 
ges of  mountains  ;  though  cultivation  is  chiefly  on  the 
eastern  shore,  yet  the  arable  land  bears  a  small  proportion 
to  the  mountainous  and  barren.  The  south  division  has 
a  great  leseniblance  t(»  England,  and,  with  respect  to  the 
general  aspect  of  the  country,  and  the  progress  of  cultiva- 
tion, exhibits  every  kind  of  rural  vaiiety.  The  climate  is 
various  and  the  air  healthy.  The  products  of  the  coun- 
try are,  grain,  flax,  woods  of  oak  and  fir,  coal,  lead,  iron, 
freestone,  limestone,  slate,  the  most  beautiful  marble,  fine 
lock  crystals,  pearls,  variegated  pebbles,  &c.  It  feeds  vast 
herds  and  flocks,  which  are  small,  but  much  valued  for 
the  delicacy  of  their  flesh  ;  the  fleece  of  the  latter  emulates 
the  finest  Spanish  wool. 

Rivers.  The  principal  rivers  are  Spey,  Don,  Tay, 
Tweed,  Clyde,  Forth,  Northern  Dee,  Esk,  Annan,  Nith, 
and  Southern  Dee. 

Population,  Religion,  Manners.  According  to  Pinkerton, 
the  whole  population  of  Scotland  is  1,526,4'29.  The  es- 
tablished religion  is  the  Presbyicrian.     The  people  are 


IRELAND.  28S 

aauglit  from  their  iiifancy  to  biidle  their  passions ;  they 
are  temperate  and  frugal,  by  which  they  save  their  con- 
stitutions Rnd  tlieir  rrioneyi  The  amusements  of  the  rich 
are  similar  to  those  of  the  English  ;  but  those  of  the  peas- 
antry ]iave  several  diversities;,  which  the  reader  may  per- 
haps best  learn  from  the  poems  of  Burns. 

Languagfy  Literature  and  EJucat'ion.  The  language  of 
Scotland  falls  under  two  divisions  ;  that  of  the  Lowlands, 
consisting  of  the  ancient  Scandinavian  dialect ;  and  that 
of  the  Hipjilands,.  which  is  Irish.  The  literature  of  Scot- 
land, though  of  recent  origin,  has  been  rapid  in  its  pro- 
gress, and  extensive  in  its  fame.  The  Scottish  poets  have 
been  nunierc  us  and  deservedly  celebrated  ;  their  divines 
and  philosophers  aie  also  universally  ksown  and  admired. 
Eveiy  country  parish  has  a  schoolmaster  for  the  instruc- 
tion of  indigent  cliildren-  There  are  four  universities,  St. 
Andrew's,  Aberdeen,  Edinburgh,  and  Glasgow. 

Cii'tei.  Edinburgh,  the  capital,  contains  about  90,000 
inhabitants.  The  houses  are  of  reniaikable  height, 
some  being  13  or  14  stories  The  chuiches  and  places  of 
worship,  of  various  denominations,  are  numetous.  Edin- 
burgh has  40  printing  houses,  in  which  aie  enijloyed  up- 
wards of  120  printing  pi  esses. 

Glasgow,  on  the  river  Clyde,  is  the  second  city  in 
Scotland.  Th;,-  number  of  inhnbired  houses  is  upwards 
of  lOjOUO  and  of  inhabitaals  7r,:3S5  It  contains  several 
hospitals,  charitable  foundations,  and  a  plibiic    infiimary. 

Aberdeen-  is  a  large  city  on  the  Dee,  at  its  entrance  in- 
to the  GeiiT).in  ocean  Ic  has  a  university  and  2  i.OOO  in- 
habitants. Peith,  Dundee,  and  Greenoci<,  are  all  places 
of  eminence. 


IRELAND 

IS  an  island  west  of  Great- Britain,  from  which  it  is 
separated  by  St.  George's  channel,  or  the  Irish  sea.  It  is 
278  miles  long  and  ]5.>  broad. 

D'l-vhrjtis,  Popuhthm,  i^c.  It  is  divided  into  four  provin- 
ces, viz.  Uifter,  Leinster,  Munstcr,  and  Connaught  ;  these 
are  subdivided  into  counties,  litland  is  estimated  to  con- 
tain abcut  2!,000,000  acres ;  10fe4  market  towns,  in  191 


284.  IRELAND. 

of  whlcli  post  offices  are  kept ;  37  charter  schools,  in  which 
1 735  youths  ot  both  sexes  are  maintained  and  taught  till 
the  age  of  fourteen  ;  four  provincial  nurseries,  in  which 
300  children  are  prepared  for  the  public  schools  ;  3000 
Episcopal  clergy,  and,  according  to  an  enumeration  in 
1801,  5,4.99,04^4  inhabitants. 

Climate,  Productions^  iffc.  The  air  is  mild  and  temperate^ 
but  more  humid  than  in  England.  In  general  it  is  a  lev- 
el country,  well  watered  with  lakes  and  rivers  ;  and  the 
soil  in  most  parts  is  fertile,  producing  corn,  hemp,  flax, 
beef,  and  butter.  The  principal  manufacture  of  Ireland  is 
fine  linen.  This  country  is  well  situated  for  foreign  trade, 
having  many  secure  and  commodious  harbors. 

Religion  In  1731,  there  were  700,4-53  Protestants,  and 
1,309,768  Catholics.  There  is  still  a  majority  of  the  lat- 
ter in  Ireland,  who,  since  1793,  have  enjoyed  greater  priv- 
ileges than  they  did  formerly.  The  laws  differ  but  little 
from  those  of  England;  and  the  established  religion  is. 
the  same. 

Manners.  The  manners  of  the  superior  classes  in  Ire- 
land approach  nearly  to  the  English  standard.  The  com- 
mon people  still  retain  many  features  of  national  manners. 

Literature  anJ  Education.-  The  ancient  literary  fame  of 
Ireland  is  placed  in  a  high  rank.  Among  its  modern 
writers  are  the  justly  celebrated  names  of  Usher,  Swift, 
Goldsmith,  Burke,  Sheridan ;  beside  many  celebrated 
dramatic  writeit,  and  orators. 

Irela-d  contains  but  one  University,  that  of  Dublin, 
founded  in  the  reign  of  Elizabetli.  The  peasantry  are  in 
St  wretched  state  of  ignorance  and  superstition. 

Ciiies.  DuBLis,  the  capital  of  Ireland,  is,  in  point  of 
beauiy,  extent,  and  population,  the  second  ciiy  in  the 
British  dominions,  and  the  fifth  in  Europe.  It  stands  on 
the  east  side  of  the  island,  near  the  mou;h  of  the  river  Lif- 
fey,  and  has  15,000  houses,  and  168,000  inhabitants. 

Cork,  Limeric,  Belfast,  Waterford,  Kilkenny,  Galway, 
and  Londonderry,  are  all  large  and  populous  places,  and 
celebrated  for  manufactures. 

Curiosities.  1  he  Giant's  Causeway  so  called,  is  a  re- 
roarkabie  curiosity,  consisting  of  many  thous<ind  ba.saltic 
pillars,  mostly  in  vertical  positions.  The  lake  of  Ki blar- 
ney and  Lough  Nta^.';h  celebrated  for  its  peirify.ng  pow- 
ers, are  reckoned  among  the  curiosities  of  iiCiand, 


FRANCE.  285 

Smaller  Islands.  Adjacent  to  lIiB  British  Isles,  lie  a 
great  number  cf  smaller  ones  belonging  to  Great- Britain; 
'J'he  principal  of  these  arQ  the  Isle  of  Wight,  Jersey,  Guern» 
i,ey,  Anglesea,  and  Man,  in  the  English  channel  ;  and 
the  Hebrides,  or  Western  islands,  the  Orknf^ys  and  the 
Shetland  Isles,  in  the  North  Atlantic  ocean,  which  are 
considered  as  appendages  to  Scotland. 


FRANCE. 

Boundaries  and  Extent.  THE  present  limits  of  France 
are  extensive,  and  cannot  he  ascertained,  as  they  are  con- 
stantly changing.  By  the  treaty  of  Luneville,  in  180J, 
the  Belgic  provinces,  and  all  the  territory  of  the  house 
of  Austria  between  Burzack  and  Basle,  together  with  all 
the  countries  and  domains  on  the  left,  or  western  bank 
of  the  Rhine,  which  before  made  a  part  of  the  German 
empire,  were  annexed  to  tlie  French  Republic,  who  were 
to  possess  tliem  in  full  sovereignty  and  property.  The 
Rhine  is  at  present  the  boundary  betw&en  Fiance  and 
Germany. 

D'ivh'tuns  and  Pupulaihn.  France  was  formerly  divided 
into  30  provinces  In  17^9,  the  National  Assembly  di- 
vided it  into  ten  metropolitan  circles,  and  83  departments. 
By  later  decrees  some  akeralions  have  been  made  in  these 
divisions;  towhch  miy  be  added  nine  departments;  into 
which  t)je  Cathohc  Netherlands  have  been  divided  ;  ^.nd 
five  more,  comprehfcnding:  that  part  of  ancient  Germany, 
which  lies  on  the  west  sia?  of  the  Rhine  ironi  the  Nether- 
la.':ds  to  Switzerland,  consisting  in  all  of  109  departments, 
liach  dep.it ttncnt  is  divided  into  districts,  and  each  dis- 
trict into  cantons. 

France  conttins  400  cities,  1500  smaller  towns,  iS.OOO 
parishes,  100,000  villages. 

The  empire  of  France,  in  1809,  was  estimated  to  con- 
tain 39,101,000  inh:;bitants. 

Climate,  General  Appearance  The  air  of  France  is  gen- 
erally mild  and  wholesome  ;  but  in  some  parts  the  heat 
is  excessive.  The  weather  is  more  ciear  and  settled  than 
in  England.  The  face  of  the  country  is  plain,  occasion- 
ally diyersifi3.d  with  hills  and  dales. 


286  FRANCE. 

Rivers,  Canals ,  and  Harbors.  The  Loire  rises  in  the 
mountains  of  the  Cevennes,  and  runs  in  a  northwest  di- 
rection. After  receiving  the  xAliier,  Cher,  Indre,  Vienne, 
and  Sarte,  it  falls  into  the  bay  of  Biscay. 

The  Rhone  rises  in  Switzerland,  passes  through  the 
Vallais  and  the  Lake  of  Geneva,  receives  the  Soane  at 
Lyons,  the  Isere  at  Valence,  and  the  Durance  below  A- 
vignon,  and  falls  into  the  Mediterranean. 

The  Garonne  rises  among  the  Pyrennces,  passes  by 
Bourdeaux,  receives  the  Dordonne  at  Bourgs,  and  takes 
the  name  of  Gironde,  after  which  it  flows  into  the  bay  of 
Biscay. 

I'he  Seine  rises  in  the  department  of  Cote  d'Or  ;  passes 
by  Paris  and  Routn  ;  receives  the  Aube,  Yonne,  Marne, 
Oise,  and  Eure,  and  falls  into  the  English  channel  at  Ha- 
Tre  de  Grace. 

France  has  many  usefivl  and  extensive  canals  ;  the 
chief  of  which  are  those  of  Languedoc,  Picardy,  and  Bur- 
gundy. 

Tiie  principaj^hjibors  or  seaports  are  those  of  Brest, 
Toulon,  and  Bourdeaux. 

5i'/7  and  Productions.  TJie  sntl,  diversified  by  mountains 
and  plains,  is  vi-aiered  by  a  great  number  of  large  and 
?mall  rivcjs.-wjiich  serve  to  fertilize  the  country  ;  and^to- 
f-;ether  with  the  canals,  convey  merchandize  from  one  ex- 
vreniity  of  the  nation  to  the  other.  It  has  corn,  legumes, 
iruit,  wiftes,  oil,  pasture,  hemp,  and  flax,  siifficient  for  its 
•  tv.'n 'nhabitaut.s,  nnd.  much  to  ipare.  J-iere  are  mines  ci 
iron,  lead,. copper,  and  some  of  silver  isnd  gold,  flany 
places  in  France  are  in  high  repute  for  their  mineral  \va~ 
icrs. 

Mannfaclures  and  C'jmmerce.  The  maviufictures  arc  silks, 
lustrings,  modes,  brocades,  velvets,  &c.  woollen  cloth,  lin- 
i-n,  coarse  and  fine ;  lace,  paper,  china  oi  exquisite  beau- 
ty and  fineness,  soap,  &.c. 

Lefore  her  revolution,  France,  in  point  of  comm.crce, 
ranked  next  to  England  and  Holland,  Since  that,  how- 
ever, her  commerce  has  been  almost  annihilated. 

•  Language,  'i'he  French  language  is  a  corruption  of  the 
Roman,  mixed  with  Celtic  and  Gothic  words  and  idioms. 
Durihg  the  last  century,  it  was  introduced  as  a  polite  lan- 
p-uage  into  all  the  other  countries   of  Europe.     In  varie- 


FRANCE.  28-7 

ly,  clearness,  and  precision,  it  yields  to  no  modern  speech  ; 
but  it  wants  force,  dignity,  and  sublimity. 

lAteratuie  and  Education.  The  sciences  have  risen  to  a 
very  great  height  in  France ;  and  its  literary  character 
commands  universal  respect  and  admiration.  The  names 
of  their  celebrated  writers  would  almost  fill  a  volume. 
The  aris  of  painting  and  sculpture  are  better  understood 
in  France  than  in  most  other  countries  of  Europe.  Since 
the  revolution,  a  new  system  of  public  instruction  has 
been  adopted. 

Cities.  Paris,  the  capital  of  France,  is  situated  on  the 
Seine,  which  traverses  it  from  east  to  west.  It  does  not 
yield  to  any  city  in  the  world,  in  the  beauty  of  its  edifices  ; 
in  its  industry  ;  in  its  love  of  the  arts  and  sciences  ;  and 
in  its  establishments,  formed  forthe  promotion  of  human 
knowledge,  3nd  to  preserve  the  productions  of  nature  and 
genius.  It  is  now  ten  leagues  in  circumference,  and  has 
SiTjTjS  inhabitants.  ■ 

Lyons  is  next  to  Paris  in  population,  containing  100,000 
souls.  Marseilles  and  Bourdeaux  have  each  about 
80,000.  These  cities,  together  with  Lisle,  the  capital  ot" 
French  Flanders,  Valenciennes,  Amiens,  and  Thoulouse, 
are  deservedly  celebrated  for  opulence,  commerce,  and 
manufactures. 

ylnliquities  and  Curiosities.  France  contains  numerous 
and  valuable  remains  of  antiquity.  There  are  many  tri- 
umphal arches,  the  most  perfect  of  which  is  at  Orange, 
erected  by  Caius  Marius.  Nismes  exhibits  stuper.dors 
remains  of  an  aqueduct  erected  by  the  Romans.  At  Aries 
is  an  obelisk  of  oriental  granite,  .02  feet  high  and  7  in  di- 
ameter, consisting  of  one  stone. 

Histcry,  Religicn  and  Go'veftimer::.  The  kingly  govcrr- 
ment  of  France  continued  from  Clovis,  Viho  estahiihlitd 
himself  at  Soissons,  in  486,  till  January  21st,  179.'3,  v.hen 
Louis  XVI.  was  beheaded  en  a  public  scpffald  at  Paris. 
France,  after  continuing  a  monarchy  for  upwards. of  1200 
years,  was,  by  tlie  national  assembly,  declared  a  republic. 
VVi:h  the  fall  of  monarchy,  all  the  "illes  of  nobiHiy  weie 
abolished  ;  and  all  tcc'esiastical  domains,  siicli  as  abbeys, 
monaster'<:s,  convents,  &c.  were  decreed  naiiorrd  piC'per- 
rj  ;  alltythts  were  abolished  ;  the  revenues  of  tliC  iiighc'r 
orders  of  the   clergy  red-KC-d.  ar:d  tl'T."   nurr;ber   Ics^x^ned. 


^388  NETHEkLA'NDS. 

■  Kfter  expl'riencing  a  series  of  rapid  and  bloody  ch^ges, 
^he  government  of  France  has  become  imperial  in  Na- 
poleon 1.  who  ascended  the  throne  in  May,  1804,  and 
was  crowned  by  the  pope  in  December  of  the  same  year, 
and  who  now  has  virtually  under  his  influence  and  control 
all  the  continental  nations  and  governments  of  Europe. 
The  Roman  Catholic  religion  has  been  established,  and 
the  appendages  of  regal  government  have  been  restored 
by  the  emperor. 

FRENCH  ISLES.  The  islands  around  the  coast  of 
France  are  small  and  unimportant.  I'hose  known  by  the 
name  of  Hyeres,  near  1  oulon,  have  a  barren  and  naked 
appearance  1  hey  contain  some  botanic  riches,  and  claim 
the  fame  of  being  Homer's  Isle  of  Calypso  Oleron  is 
on  the  western  coast,  H-  miles  long,  and  two  broad.  Re, 
Yeu,  and  Bellisle  are  inconsiderable  isles  along  the 
coast.  UsHANT,  or  Ouessant,  is  the  farthest  western 
head  land  of  France,  12  miles  from  the  continent,  and  9 
miles  in  circumference. 


NETHERLANDS. 

THE  country  called  the  Netherlands,  though  united  to, 
and  forming  an  integral  part  of,  the  French  empire,  we 
have  thought  proper  to  describe  in  a  separate  article. 

Situation,  Boundaries^  Extent.  It  is  situated  between  49 
and  52  degrees  north  latitude,  and  between  77  and  82** 
east  longitude.  Bounded  on  the  north  by  Holland  ;  east 
by  Germany;  south  by  France;  west  by  the  English 
channel  ;  200  miles  long,  and  180  broad. 

Climate.  Tht-  air  onr  the  sea  coasts  is  bad  ;  but  in  the 
interior  more  healthful.  The  seasons  are  more  regular 
tiian  in  England.  The  face  of  the  country  is  generally 
low  and  flat,  like  Holland  ;  tOAvard  the  east,  it  is  swelled 
with  gentle  elevations. 

Rivers  and  Canals.  The  principal  rivers  are  the  Maese 
and  Samb'te,  which  unite  at  Namur ;  and  the  Scheldt, 
which,  after  receiving  the  two  Nethes,  the  Demer,  Dyle, 
Senne,  Dender,  Escaut  ami  Lys,  empties  into  the  sea 
among  the  islands  of  Zealand.  The  canals  are  almost  in- 
numerable ;  but  the  most  important  are  those  of  Brussels, 
Ghent,  and  Ostend. 


NETHERLANDS.  28-9 

Soil  and  Productions.  The  soil  and  its  produce  are  rich, 
•specially  in  corn,  fruits  and  flax.  The  agriculture  of  this 
country.has  been  celebrated  for  600  years  ;  and  the  Neth- 
erlands were  formerly  denominated  the  granary  of  France 
and  Germany. 

Mines  and  Minerals.  Mines  of  iron,  copper,  lead,  and 
brimstone,  are  found  in  this  counti  y  ;  also  marble  quar- 
ries, coal-pits,  and  great  plenty  of  fossil  nitre. 

Population.  The  ^^■hole  number  of  inhabitants  in  the 
Netherlands  is  1,900,000. 

Manners  and  Cusloms.  The  Flemings  for  so  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Flanders  and  the  Austrian  Low  Countries  are  gen- 
erally called,  are  said  to  be  a  heavy,  blunt,  honest  people. 
Formerly  they  were  known  to  fight  desperately  in  defence 
of  their  country:  at  present  they  are  in  a  subjugated  and 
not  very  pleasing  state.  The  Austrian  Netherlands  are 
exceedingly  populous  ;  but  authors  differ  as  to  their  num- 
bers. 

Commerce  and  Manufactures.  The  chief  manufactures  ot 
the  Netherlands  are  their  beautiful  linens  and  laces  ;  in 
whicli  notwithstanding  the  boasted  itnprovements  of  their 
neighbors,  they  are  yet  unrivalled  ;  particularly  in  that 
species  called  cambrics,  from  Cambray,  thj  chief  place  of 
its  manufacture.  These  manufactures  foim  the  principal 
articles  of  their  commerce 

Dress  and  Language.  The  inhabitants  of  French  Flan- 
ders are  mere  French  men  and  women  in  both  these  par- 
ticulars. The  Flemings  on  the  frontiers  of  Holland,  dress 
like  the  Dutch  boors,  nnd  their  language  is  the  same  ;  but 
the  better  sort  of  people  speak  French,  and  dress  in  the 
same  taste. 

Religion.  The  established  leligion  here,  till  the  revolu- 
tion, was  the  Roman  Catholic  ;  but  prolestants,  and  oth- 
er sects  were  not  nioksted. 

Literature.  I'he  society  of  Jesuits  formerly  produced 
the  most  learned  nien  in  the  Austrian  Low  Countries,  in 
which  they  had  many  cdmfoi  table  settlements.  Wojksof 
theology,  the  civil  and  canon  law,  Latin  poems  a:id  plays, 
were  their  chief  productions.  Strada  is  an  elegant  histo- 
tian  and  poet.  The  Flemish  painters  and  sculptors  have 
great  merit,  and  form  a  school  by  themselves.  The 
A  A 


290  NETHERLANDS. 

works  of  Rubens  and  Vandyke  cannot  be  sufficiently  aft- 
mired. 

Universities.  Louvain,  Douay,  Tournay,  and  St.  Omer. 
The  first  was  founded  in  HSS,  by  John  IV.  duke  of  Bra- 
bant, and  enjoys  great  privileges. 

Cities.  Ghent  is  the  capital  of  the  province  of  Flan- 
ders. Its  walls  are  ten  miles  in  circumference.  It  has  a 
cathedral,  six  parish  churches,  and  SOO  bridges ;  the 
streets  are  large,  and  the  market  places  spacious.  It  has 
considerable  trade  in  corn,  cloth,  linen,  and  silk.  The 
population  is  55,161. 

Bruges  holds  the  second  rank  among  the  cities  of 
Flanders,  and  has  33,632  inhabitants.  It  is  a  league  and 
a  half  in  circumference,  and  advantageously  situated  on 
a  plain,  having,  by  means  of  canals,  a  navigable  commu- 
nication with  Ghent,  Ostend,  Dunkirk.  Sluys,  &c.  In 
the  14th  century,  this  city  was  a  place  of  the  greatest 
trade  in  Europe. 

Ostend  is  a  strong  seaport  town,  surrounded  by  many 
forts,  and  has  10,4-59  inhabitants.  Ypres  is  only  a  str<)ng 
garrison  town.  The  same  may  be  said  of  CharleroV 
and  Namur.  Louvain,  the  capital  of  Austrian  Brabant, 
instead  of  its  once  flourishing  manufactures  and  places  of 
trade,  now  contains  pretty  gardens,  walks  and  arbors,  and 
3,060  inhabitants.  Brussels,  called  the  ornament  and 
delight  of  the  Netherlands,  retains  somewhat  of  its  ancient 
manufactures,  and  has  66,297  inhabitants.  Antwerp, 
on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Scheldt,  is  a  large  and  handsome 
city.  The  streets  are  generally  wide  and  straight,  and 
surrounded  by  a  wall,  and  regular  fortifications.  It  con- 
tains 56.318  inhabitants. 

It  may  be  observed  here,  that  every  grntleman's  house 
is  a  castle,  or  chateau  ;  and  that  there  are  m.ore  strong 
towns  in  the  Netherlands,  than  in  all  the  rest  of  Kurope. 
Travelling  is  safe,  cheap,  and  delightful,  in  this  luxurious 
country.  The  roads  are  generally  a  broad  causeway,  and 
run  for  some  miles  in  a  straight  line,  till  they  terminate 
with  the  view  of  some  noble  buildings.  Caasel,  which  is 
situated  on  a  hill,  commands  a  vieW  of  thiity-two  towns. 

History.  The  Nt; 'norlands  are  a  part  of  the  ancient 
Belgic  Gaul,  and  belonged  to  the  French,  Austrians,  and 
Dnich,    They  were  divided  into  10  provinces,  as  follow  ; 


HOLLAND.  291 

'     .    Brabant  ^  Namur 

Antwerp  '  Hainault 

Malines  Cambresis 

Limburg  Artois 

Luxemburg  Flanders 

These  provinces  now  make  a  part  of  the  French  em- 
pire. Tiie  are  divided  into  nine  departments,  and  annex- 
ed to  France  by  the  order  of  tlie  government. 


HOLLAND. 

THE  kingdom  of  Holland,  lately  called  the  Eatavian 
Republic,  comprehends  that  part  of  the  ancient  Belgic 
Gaul,  which  was  long  distinguished  by  the  name  of  the 
Seven  United  Provinces. 

Siluation,  Extenty  Boundaries.  Holland  is  situated  be- 
tween u\  and  54°  north  latitude,  and  between  7B  and  82* 
east  Ion.  500  miles  long  and  100  broad.  Bounded  north 
and  west  by  the  German  ocean  ;  east  by  Germany  ;  south 
by  the  Catholic  Netherlands  and  France. 

Divisions  and  Populaiion.  The  civil  divisions  of  this 
country,  while  it  was  a  republic,  were  7  provinces,  viz. 
Holland,  Overyssel,  Zealand,  Friesland,  Utretcht,  Gron- 
ingen,  Guelderiand,  and  Zutphen,  beside  the  Texel  and 
other  islands.  Holland  contains  1 1 3  cities  or  large  towns^ 
1400  villages,  and  2,;>55.,000  inhabitants;  its  military 
force,  in  l«Oi,  was  22  3«4  men. 

Gemral  jipptarcmce.  The  soil  of  tlie  country  is  so  soft 
and  marshy,  that,  but  for  the  constant  care  in  forming 
and  making  ditches  and  canals,  it  would  be  hardly  capa- 
ble of  cultivation  ;  some  part  of  it  lies  even  lower  than 
the  sea,  from  which  it  is  secured  by  dykes  or  dams  The 
meadow  giounds  are  rich,  and  generally  under  water  in 
the  winter. 

Rivers.  The  chief  rivers  of  Holland  are  the  Pvhine, 
the  Maese,  the  Scheldt,  and  Vecht.  The  Rhine  is  one 
of  the  largest  rivers  of  Europe.  Soon  after  it  enters  Hol- 
land, it  is  divided  into  several  branches,  foiming  a  num- 
ber of  islands,  which  constitute  a  considerable  portion  of 
Holland.  Near  Arnheim  it  is  divided  into  two  branches, 
ODe  of  which  takes  the  name  of  Ysscl,  and  falls  into  the 


292  HOLLAND. 

Zuyder  Zee.  The  other  branch  is  again  divided,  and  the 
larger  branch  falls  into  the  Maese  under  the  name  of  the 
Leek ;  while  the  Rhine,  with  a  very  small  portion  of  its 
waters,  is  lost  among  the  canals  about  Leyden,  without 
falling  into  the  sea  by  its  proper  name 

The  Maese  rises  in  France,  and,  after  receiving  the 
greatest  part  of  the  Rhine,  it  divides  into  a  variety  of 
branches,  and  empties  into  the  German  Sea.  The  Scheldt 
also  rises  in  France ;  and  after  passing  the  city  of  Ant- 
werp, is  divided  into  two  branches,  called  Eastern  and 
Western  Scheldt,  both  of  which  are  lost  among  the  islands 
of  Zealand. 

Sens.  The  German  ocean,  which  washes  the  northern 
shores  of  Holland,  is  here  called  the  North  Sea  ;  in  con- 
iradistinction  to  which,  a  large  gulf,  which  separates 
North  Holland  fron  Friesland,  is  called  the  Zuyder  or 
•South  Sea.  With  this  is  connected  the  lake  of  Haerlem 
by  a  creek  called  the  Y. 

The  chief  harbors  of  Holland  are  those  of  the  Texel, 
Middleburg,  Flushing  and  Amsterdam. 

Manufactures  and  Commerct.  The  chief  manufactures  of 
Holland  are  linens,  pottery,  leather,  wax,  snuiF,  sugar, 
starch,  paper,  wov)llen,  and  silk.  The  commerce  consist- 
ed formerly  in  spices  and  drugs  from  their  settlements  in 
the  East-Indies.  The  inland  trade  with  Germany  by  the 
canals  and  the  Rhine,  is  almost  the  only  branch  of  com- 
merce which  has  escaped  the  ravages  of  war. 

l.anguage  and  Literature.  The  language  is  a  dialect  of 
the  German.  The  education  of  youth  is  rrot  so  much  at- 
tended to  here,  as  in  some  other  countries.  There  are  large 
and  celcbr  iced  Latin  schools  at  Rotterdam,  Middleburg, 
Groningen,  &c.  Holland  has  live  respectable  universi- 
ties ;  those  of  Leyden,  Ucrecht,  Hardevvycke,  Franeker, 
and  Groningen.  There  is  an  academy  of  Sciences  at 
Haerlem. 

Manners  and  Custom:.  The  Dutch  are  an  industrious 
and  persevering  people,  patient  of  hardships,  and  extreme- 
ly neat  in  their  dwellings.  A  humane  regulation  requires 
all  innkeepers  and  apothecaries  to  keep  a  printed  paper, 
containing  rules  for  recovering  persons  apparently  drown- 
ed. Liberal  rewards  are  given  to  those  who  expose  them, 
.selves  to  save  ethers. 


HOLLANi>.  25;:< 

Religion.  The  Hollanders  generally  embrace  the  doc- 
trines of  the  reformation,  or,  as  they  are  usually  scyied, 
Calvinism  ;  but  Jews,  Anabaptists,  and  Roman  Catholics 
are  numerous.  A  free  exercise  of  religion  is  allowed  to 
all  persuasions  except  the  Roman  Catholics. 

Government.  Holland  was  once  a  republic.  In  May, 
1805,  a  treaty  was  made  between  France  and  Holland  for 
the  establishment  of  a  king  ;  and  in  June  foUowingr 
Louis  Bonaparte,  with  great  ceremony,  was  proclaimed 
king  of  Holland,  by  his  brother  Napoleon  ;  but  he  has 
since  abdicated  his  throne.  Holland  is  divided  into  1 1 
departments,  and  is  annexed  to  France  by  order  of  the 
government. 

Ciiies.  All  the  cities  of  Holland  have  an  appearance  of 
grandeur  and  neatness,  which  attracts  universal  admira- 
tion. The  houses  are  of  brick,  lofty  and  elegant,  the 
WMndows  large  and  numerous.  The  streets  are  surpris- 
ingly clean,  and  adorned  with  rows  of  trees  ;  between- 
wjiich  the  canals  extend  in  all  directions 

Amsterdam,  a  port  of  the  Znyder  Zee,  is  the  rhief 
city.  It  ranks  among  the  first  cities  of  Europe,  contain- 
ing, 217,024'  inhabitants.  The  docks  and  arsenals  are 
extensive,  and  the  Sudthou.-e  is  the  most  magnificent 
building  of  the  kind  in  Europe.- 

-RoTTERDAM,  ou  the  MdCbe,  is  a  great  commercial  cityj- 
of  the  size  of  Boston,  having  33,800  mhabitants.  Ley- 
SEs,  an  inland  city,  with  '30,955  inhabitants,  is  tlie  seat 
of  the  principal  university,  and  is  celebiated  for  having 
produced  several  eminent  characters  in  science  and  litera- 
ture. The  Hague  is  an  open  village,  famous  as  the  seat 
of  government,  and  the  residence  ©f  the  Stadtholder  ;  it 
has  3S,-^ii3  inhabitants,  and  6, 164^  houses* 

Haehlem,  which  has  21,3o0  inhabitants.  Middle- 
burg,  and  Flushing,  are  large  commercial  cities.  U» 
TRECHT  is  a  handsome  city,  with  32,291-  inhabitants,  and 
is  the  seat  of  an  university.  There  are  many  otlicr  towns, 
distinguished  for  neatness  and  population, 
A  A  2 


CTOl  SWITZERLAND. 


SWITZERLAND,  OR  HELVETIA. 

UNDER  this  name  modern  geographers  include  all 
the  country  occupied,  not  onl}-  by  the  Swiss,  or  Thirteen 
Cantons  of  the  league,  but  by  other  states  in  alliance  with 
or  subject  to  them  ;  in  which  sense,  the  greatest  extent  from 
east  to  west  will  be  about  ISO  miles,  and  from  north  to 
south  140.  On  the  north  it  is  bounded  by  Swabia,  south 
by  Savoy  and  Italy,  west  by  France. 

General  j^ppsarance.  Switzerland  may  justly  be  consid- 
ered as  the  most  elevated  land  in  Ewrope,  asmany  princi- 
pal rivers  take  their  rise  here,  and  run  in  difFerent  direc- 
tions to  the  extremity.  The  greater  part  is  composed  of 
mountains,  with  narrow  vallics  between  them  ;  these 
mountains  are  composed  of  stupendous  rocks,  piled  oa 
each  other,  and  are  from  4,000  to  10,000  feet  in  height. 
One  peak  i-n  St.  Gothard's  mountain,  is  computed  by  Du 
Cret  to  be  16,5C0  French  feet. 

Divisions  and  Population.  Before  the  late  revolution,  Swit- 
zerland was  divided  into  IS  cantons,  exclusive  of  their 
allies  ;  viz.  Lucern,  Uri,  Schweitz,  Underwalden,  Zug, 
Friburg,  and  Soleure,  vi-hich  are  Catholics.  The  prot- 
fStant  cantons  are  Zurich,  Bern,  Ea*>le,  and  Schaffhau- 
i^en.  The  number  of  inhabitants  is-reckoned  at  1,638,000. 
Glarus  and  Appenzel  contain  both  religions. 

Lakes  and  Rivers.     The    principal    lakes    are   those  of 
Consiance,     Geneva,    Lucern,    Zurich,    and    Neuchatel. 
T!ie  most  considerable  rivers,  are  the  Rhine,  Rhone,  Aar, 
Arve,  Reuss  and  Inn. 

Prodvciions.  The  chief  riches  of  Sw'itz.erlHnd  consist  of 
excellent  pastures,  in  which  many  cattle  are  bred  and  fat- 
tened ;  the  goats  and  ehamois  feed  on  the  mountains  and 
jn  the  woods. 

Manners  and  Customs.  The  men  are  strong  and  robust.. 
The  women  are  tolerably  hand.some,  and  in  general  very 
i^.dustrious-  The  peasants  retain  their  old  manner  of 
dress,  and  are  content  to  live  upon  milk,  butter  and  cheese  j, 
iome  of  the  mountaineers  never  have  any  bread. 

Ciiiis.  The  principal  cities  of  Sv/itzerland  are  Basil,, 
on  the   Rliine,  1 5,0G0  iahabitanis  j  Zvrjch,  on  the  lake 


SPAIN.  ^93 

of  the  same  name,  10,353;  and  Lausanhe  on  the  lake 
of  Geneva,  9,965.  There  are  colleges  at  Bern,  Lausan- 
ne, Zurich  and  Lucerne. 

Historical  Rrmarks,  A  de.^initlye  alliance  subsisted  be- 
tween France  and  several  of  the  Swiss  cantons  for  more 
than  a  century,  to  the  great  advantage  of  both.  These 
republicans  found  in  that  monarchy  a  steady,  faithful,  and 
generous  friend.  In  1777,  the  alliance  vi'as  renewed  in 
the  city  of  Soleure,  and  extended  to  all  the  cantons.  From 
this  period,  till  the  commencement  of  that  disastrous  rev- 
olution, which  has  been  effected  by  the  intrignes  of  the 
French,  the  Swiss  were  so  much  wiser  than  any  of  the 
other  European  powers,  that  they  preserved  a  peace  unin- 
terrupted, except  by  some  internal  disputes,  which  were 
speedily  terminated.  Their  history,  therefore,  during  this 
period,  is  comprised  in  a  few  words.  While  other  nations 
descanted  on  the  blessings  of  peace,  liberty,  and  property, 
amidst  the  curses  of  war,  taxes,  and  oppression,  these  hap- 
py people  quietly  enjoyed  all  these  blessings.  The  present 
situation  of  Switzerland  is  a  striking  contrast  to  this.  It 
is  "  correctly  and  energetically  drawn  in  the  picture  of 
Athens,  left  us  by  a  writer  of  the  middle  ages  after  the 
invasion.  //  is  the  empty  and  bloody  tkin  of  an  immolated  vic- 
tim. She  has  nothing  left  but  rocks,  and  nuns,  and  dem- 
agogues." Since  the  revolution  of  1797,  the  old  govern- 
ment of  Switzerland  has  been  changed,  the  thirteen  inde- 
pendent governments  have  been  abolished,  and  che  name 
of  Switzerland  changed  to  that  of  Helvetia.  By  the  con- 
stitution of  May  29,  1801,  Switacrlaod  is  divided  intff 
aeverueen  departments. 

SPAIN. 

Situation,  Boundaries,  Extent.  THE  kingdom  of  iSpaim 
lie.<^  beiw<;en  lib  and  44°  north  lat.  and  between  66  and  78'' 
east  Ion.  It  is  bounded  north  by  th-i  bay  of  Biscay  j 
northeatt  by  the  Pyrennees,  which  separate  it  from  France  j 
east  and  south  by  the  Mediterranean  ;  southwest  and  west 
by  Portugal  and  the  Atlantic  ;  700  miles  long  and  50t> 
broad. 

Divisions.  Spain  contains  the  provinces  of  Old  and 
New  Castile,  Andalusia,  Arragon,  EstraJDadura>  Gallcia, 


296  SPAIN. 

Leon,  Catalonia,  Granada,  Valencia,  Biscay,  tha  Asturl- 
as,  Murcia,  and  Upper  Navarre,  some  of  which  have  for- 
merly been  separate  kingdoms. 

Climate.  The  air  is  dry  and  serene,  except  during  the 
equinoctial  rains,  but  excessively  hot  in  the  southern  prov- 
inces, in  June,  July,  and  August.  The  vast  mountains, 
however,  that  run  through  Spain,  are  beneficial  to  the  in- 
habitants by  the  refreshing  breezes  that  come  from  them 
in  the  south  parts  ;  but  those  in  the  north  and  northeast 
are  in  the  winter  very  cold. 

Bays.  The  chief  bays  are  those  of  Biscay,  Ferrol,  Co- 
runna,  (commonly  called  the  Groynne)  Tigo,  Cadiz, 
Gibraker,  Carthagena,  Alicante,  Altea,  Valencia,  and 
Roses.  The  strait  of  Gibraker  divides  Europe  from 
Africa. 

Rivers.  These  are  the  Duero,  which  falls  into  the  At- 
lantic ocean  below  Oporto  in  Portugal  ;  the  Tago,  or  Ta- 
gus,  which  falls  into  the  Atlantic  ocean  near  Lisbon  ;  the 
Guadiana  falls  into  the  same  ocean  near  Cape  Finisterre  ;. 
as  does  the  Guadalquiver,  now  Turio,  at  St.  Lucar  ;  and 
tlie  Ebro,  the  ancient  Iberus,  falls  into  the  Mediterranean 
Sea  below  Tortosa. 

The  river  Tinto  rises  in  Sierra  Morena,  and  empties  it- 
self into  the  Mediterranean,  near  Huelva,  having  the  name 
Tinto  gfiven  it  from  the  tinge  of  its  waters,  which  are  as 
yellow  as  a  topaz,  hardening  tiie  sand,  and  petrifying  It 
in  a  most  surprising  manner. 

Lakes.  There  are  several  lakes  in  Spain,  That  of  Ben- 
eventa  abound?  with  Hsh,  particularly  with  excellent  trout. 
Of  the-water  of  a  lake  near  Antiquera  salt  is  made  by  the- 
heat  of  the  sun. 

Mountains.  ■  The  chief  and  the  highest  mountains  of 
Spain  are  the  Pyrennees,  nearly  200  miles  in  length,  which 
extend  from  the  bay  of  Biscay  to  the  Mediterranean,  and 
divide  Spain  from  France. 

The  Cantabrian  mountains  are  a  continuation  of  the 
Pyrennees,  and  reach  to  the  Atlantic  ocean,  south  of  Gap& 
Finisterre. 

Mount  Calpo,  now  called  the  Hill  of  Gibraker,  was 
formerly  known  as  one  of  the  Pillars  of  Hercules. 

Soil  and  Productions.  The  soil  is  fertile  ;  but  there  are 
large  tracts  of  uncultivated  ground.     The  produce  of  the 


SPAIN.  297 

country  is  wheat,  barley,  safFron,  honey,  silk,  saltpetre, 
hemp,  barrilles,  and  sugar  canes,  with  the  richest  and  most 
delicious  fruits.  Its  wines  are  in  high  esteem.  Wolves 
are  the  chiet  beasts  of  prey  that  infest  Spain.  The  wild 
bulls  have  so  much  ferocity,  that  bull  feats  were  the  most 
magnificent  spectacle  the  court  of  Spain  could  exhibit. 
The  domestic  animals  are  horses  that  are  remarkably 
swift,  mules,  black  cattle,  and  sheep,  the  wool  of  which  is 
superior  to  any  in  Europe. 

Minerals.  Spain  abounds  in  minerals  and  metals.  Cor- 
nelian, agate,  jacinth,  loadstone,  turcois  stonci,  quicksil- 
ver, copper,  le;id,  sulphur,  alum,  calamine,  crystal,  mar- 
bles of  several  kinds,  porphyry,  the  finest  jasper,  and  even 
diamonds,  emeralds,  and  amethysts,  are  found  here.  An- 
ciently it  was  celebrated  for  gold  and  silver  mines  j  but 
since  the  discovery  of  America,  no  attention  has  been 
paid  to  them. 

Commerce,  and  Manufactures.  Spain  has  but  little  com- 
merce, and  few  manufactures.  Gold  and  silver  are  the 
chief  articles  both  of  export  and  import.  A  silk  manu- 
facture at  Valencia  gives  cniploymiint;  to  20,000  persons. 
The  other  manufactures  of  Spain  are  linen,  wool,  soap, 
glass,  copper,  and  hard  ware. 

Population.  The  population  of  this  kingdom  is  comput- 
ed at  10,396,000  in  Europe,  and  10,816,000  in  her  col- 
onies. 

Manners  and  Customs.  The  persons  of  the  Spaniards  are 
generally  tall,  especially  the  Castilians  ;  their  hair  and 
complexion  swarthy, but  ilieir  counteuancesvery expressive. 
The  inN  ior  orders,  even  in  the  greatest  cities,  are  misera- 
bly lodged,  and  those  lodgings  wretchedly  furnished.  Ma- 
ny of  the  poorer  sort,  both  men  and  women,  wear  neither 
shoes  nor  stockings  ;  and  coarse  bread,  steeped  in  oil,  and 
occasionally  seasoned  with  vinegar,  is  the  common  food 
of  the  country  people  through  several  provinces. 

Literature.  The  literature  of  Spain  is  respectable,  though 
little  known  in  other  countries,  since  the  decline  of  the 
Spanish  power.  Concerning  their  means  of  common  edu- 
cation, little  is  known  ;  but  it  is  chiefly  in  the  hands  of 
tlie  monks.  They  have  upwards  of  20  universities  ;  the 
most  noted  is  at  Salamanca. 


298  SPAIN. 

Religion.  The  established  religion  is  popery  ;  here  the 
inquisition  still  exists,  now  rendered  harmless.  There  are 
eight  archbislioprics,  forty-four  episcopal  sees,  and  twenty- 
four  universities. 

Government.     Spain  is  a  monarchy. 

Cities.  Madrid,  the  capital  of  Spain,  is  on  the  river 
Manzanares,  which,  though  small,  is  adorned  with  two 
magnificent  bridges.  The  city  contains  15  gates,  18  par- 
ishes, 35  convents  of  monks,  and  dl  of  nuns,  S9  colleges, 
hospitals,  and  houses  of  charity  ;  one  for  all  nations,  in 
which  are  Ircm  500  to  1000  patients;  1 4-,  i  00  dwelling 
houses,  and  about  156,67 '2  inhabitants. 

Cadiz,  the  great  emporium  of  Spanish  commerce,  stands 
on  an  island,  which  communicates  with  the  continent  by 
a  bridge.  1:  contains  13,500  houses,  and  57,387  inhabit- 
ants. Barceloka  has  1  i  1,410.  Seville  was  the  largest 
city,  except  Madrid,  but  is  grearly  decayed.  Carlhagena, 
Bilboa,  Malaga,  and  Alicant,  are  populous  and  commer- 
cial cities.  Granada  and  Toledo  are  celebrated  in  Span- 
ish history. 

H'uiorV'  "^rK**  fir*^  ••ih^^*''?"-"  Gr-!>"3l'i  V6r6  the  CcltSj 
a  people  of  Gaul;,  after  them,  the  Phoenicians  possessed 
themselves  of  the  rirbst  southern  parts  of  the  country,  and 
may  well  be  supposed  to  have  bt-en  the  first  civilizers  of 
this  kingdom,  ?-nd  the  founders  of  the  most  ancient  cities. 
After  these,  followed  the  Grecians  ;  then  the  Carthagen- 
ians,  on  whose  departure,  sixteen  years  before  Christ,  it  be- 
came subject  to  the  Romans,  till  the  year  of  our  Lord  400, 
when  the  Goths,  Vandals,  Suevi,  Alans,  and  Sillingi,  on 
Constantine's  withdrawing  his  forces  from  that  b.agdom 
to  the  east,  invaded  it  and  divided  it  among  themselves  j 
but  the  Goths  in  a  little  time  were  sole  masters  of  it,  under 
their  king  Alarick  I.  who  founded  the  Spanish  monarchy. 
In  1808,  Spain  was  invaded  by  the  emperor  of  France, 
who  seized  the  throne,  and  placed  his  brother  Joseph  upon 
it.  Spain  is  still  (1813)  struggling  for  her  existence  as  an 
tadependent  nation. 


PORTUGAL.  ^    299 


PORTUGAL. 

Situation,  Extent,  Boundaries.  PORTUGAL  is  the  most 
westerly  country  of  Europe,  lying  between  37  and  42** 
north  lat.  and  between  G5,and  QS'^  east  Ion. ;  310  miles 
long,  150  broad.  Bounded  w^est  and  south  by  the  Atlan- 
tic, east  and  north  by  Spain. 

Divisions  and  Population.  It  is  divided  into  6  provinces, 
Estramadura,  Beira,  Entre-Minho-e-Douero,  Tra  los- 
Montes,  Alentejo,  and  Algarva.  The  whole  kingdom  con- 
tains I9civdads,  or  cities.  527  villas,  or  smaller  towns, 
3344  parisfces,  and,  according  to  Ebeling,  3,55S,712 
souls. 

Rivers y  Lakes,  and  Springs.  The  chief  Portuguese  rivers 
are  mentioned  in  Spain,  all  of  them  falling  into  the  .'\tlan- 
tic  ocean.  The  principal  are  the  Tagus.  Douem,  Minho, 
and  Guadiana.  Ihe  Tagus  was  celebrated  for  its  golden 
sand.  It  overflows  its  banks  as  regularly  as  the  Nile. 
The  Guadiana,  eight  leagues  from  its  source,  disappears, 
and  runs  seven  leagues  under  ground.  It  is  150  leagues 
in  length. 

Portugal  contains  several  roaring  lakes  and  springs  } 
some  of  them  ar^  absorbent  even  of  the  lightest  substan- 
ces, such  as  wo»d,  cork  and  feathers  ;  some  are  medical 
and  sanative  ;  and  some  hot  baths  are  found.  The  min- 
eral waters  of  Caldos  da  Rainha  and  Chavei  are  very 
much  esteemed.  Beside  these,  there  are  several  springs, 
which  may  be  ranked  among  the  natural  curiosities  of 
Portugal.  ^ 

Climate,  General  Appearance,  The  vicinity  of  the  sea 
renders  the  climate  miider  than  in  Spain.  The  general 
configuration  of  this  kingdom  is  mountainous  ;  but,  ex- 
cepting the  Estella,  which  may  be  seven  or  eight  thou- 
sand feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  the  mountains  owe 
their  apparent  height  to  the  Itvel  of  the  co'untry  round 
them  ;  and  the  wildness  of  their  aspect  may  be  attributed 
to  their  needle-like  asperities. 

Soil  and  Productlcns  The  agriculture  of  Portugal  is  not 
generally  bad:  but  the  skill  employed  In  it  is  small.  Ex- 
cept round  Lisbon,  the  country  produces  sufficient  corn 


§00  PORTUGALi 

for  its  inhabitants ;  the  rallies  of  Entre-Minho  e-Douefo 
are  extremely  well  cultivated  ;  Tra-les- Monies  is  covered 
with  fields  of  corn  to  the  very  summits  of  the  mountains  j 
wheat,  maize  and  pulse  are  produced  in  considerable 
quantities. 

Manufactures  and  Commerce.  The  salt  marshes  of  Portu- 
gal furnish  great  plenty  of  salt.  Much  salt  is  made  also 
,  from  the  sea  water,  especially  in  the  bay  of  St.  Ubes, 
whence  much  is  exported.  The  foreign  trade  consists  of 
the  produce  of  the  country,  or  in  the  merchandise,  which 
is  received  from  its  foreign  settlements  :  such  as  sugar,  to- 
bacco, rum,  cottoti,  indigo,  hides,  Brazil  and  other  woods 
for  dying,  and  many  excellent  drugs.  The  manufacture 
of  gun  flints  is  one  of  the  least  remarkable,  yet  of  the 
•greatest  importance  to  this  kingdom. 

Manners  and  Customs.  The  modern  Portuguese  retain 
little  of  that  adventurous,  enterprising  spirit,  which  render- 
ed their  forefathers,  the  Lusitanians,  so  illustrious  about 
300  years  ago.  The  peasantry  though  degraded  and  op- 
pressed, are  inoffensive  and  industrious.  In  diet,  the  Por- 
tuguese are  temperate,  and  the  beauty  of  the  climate  in- 
duces them  to  spend  most  of  their  time  abroad  ;  the  house 
bf-ing  little  more  than  a  convenieney  for  sleeping.  The 
furniture  of  the  houses  of  the  grandees  is  rich  and  superb 
to  excess ;  and  they  maintain  an  incred*i:le  number  of  do- 
mestics. 

Universities  and  Academies.  These  are  Coimbra,  founded 
in  1-J91  by  king  Dennis;  Evora,  founded  in  1553;  and 
the  college  of  nobles  at  Lisbon,  where  the  young  nobility 
are  educated  in  every  branch  of  polite  learning,  and  the 
sciences  The  royal  academy  of  Portugal  was  instituted 
in  1720,  by  John  V.  Here  is  also  a  military  and  marine 
academy,  where  young  gentlemen  are  educated  in  the  sci- 
ences of  engineering  and  naval  tactics.  A  geographical 
academy  has  lately  been  established. 

Religion  The  Roman  Catholic  is  the  (established  re- 
ligion, to  the  exclusion  of  all  others.  There  are  two  tri- 
bunals of  inquisition. 

Citiis.  Lisbon,  the  capital  of  Portugal,  is  one  of  the 
most  regular  built  cities  in  Europe  ;  and  is  deservedly  ac- 
counted the  greatest  port  in  Europe,  next  to  London  and 
Amsterdam.     The  houses  are  lufty,  elegant,  and  uniforxB  ; 


PORTUGAL.  301 

and  being  built  of  white  stone  make  a  beautiful  appear- 
ance. The  popuhition  is  estimated  at  350,000,  and  4-4,000 
houses.  The  second  city  in  this  kingdom  is  Oporto, 
which  Is  computed  to  contain  40,000  inhabitants  The 
ch'ef  article  of  commerce  in  this  city  is  wine  ;  and  the  in- 
habitants of  half  the  shops  are  coopers.  Braga  is  a  consid- 
erable town.  In  the  city  of  Coimbra  is  an  ancient  univer- 
sity.    Travira  has  4770  inhabitaints. 

Curiosities.  The  lakes  and  fountains  which  have  been 
already  mentioned  form  the  chief  of  these.  The  remains 
of  some  castles  in  the  Moorish  taste  are  still  standing. 
The  Roman  bridge  and  aqueduct  at  Coimbra  are  almost 
entire,  and  deservedly  admired.  The  walls  of  Santareen 
;ire  said  to  be  of  Roman  work  likewise.  The  chilrch  and 
monastery  near  Lisbon,  where  the  kings  of  Portugal  are 
buried,  are  inexpressibly  magnificent  and  several  monas- 
teries in  Portugal  are  dug  out  of  the  hard  lock.  The 
chapel  of  St.  Roch  is  probably  one  of  the  finest  and  rich- 
est in  the  world  ;  the  paintings  arc  Mosaic  work,  so  cu- 
riously wrought,  with  stones  of  all  colors,  as  to  astonish 
ihe  beholders. 

History.  Portugal  was  anciently  called  Lusltania,  and 
inhabited  by  tribes  of  wandering  people,  till  it  became 
subject  to  the  Carlhagenians  and  Phenicians,  who  were 
dispossessed  by  the  Romans  250  years  before  Christ.  In 
the  fifth  century  it  fell  under  the  yoke  of  the  Suevi  and 
Vandals,  who  v»cre  driven  out  by  the  Goths  of  Spain,  in 
the  year  589  ;  but  when  the  Moors  of  Africa  made  them- 
selves masters  of  the  greatest  part  of  Spain  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  eighth  century,  they  penctraied  into  Lusitania, 
where  they  established  governors,  who  made  themselves 
kings.  It  became  subject  to  Spain  in  15S0  ;  but  in  1640, 
the  people  rebelled,  shook  oif  the  Spanish  yoke,  and  elect- 
ed for  their  king  the  duke  of  Er^iganza,  who  look  the  name 
of  John  IV  in  whose  family  it  has  ever  since  remained,  in- 
dependent of  Spain.  The  prince  regent  and  royal  family 
of  Portugal  emigrated  to  13razil  in  1807-  Lisbon  was 
taken  by  Bonaparte,  and  nearly  the  whole  kingdom  over- 
i  un  by  French  troops,  and  since  retaken  by  the  British; 
and  is  still  ( 181 'J)  at  war  v.-ilh  France. 
B  s 


302  fTALY. 


ITALY. 


Situation,  ^c.  ITALY,  according  to  Its  former  limltSj 
lies  between  82  and  94<  degrees  east  longitude,  and  38 
and  47  north  latitude.  North  and  northeast,  it  was  bound- 
ed by  Switzerland  and  Germany  ;  east  by  the  gulf  of 
Venice  ;  south  by  the  Mediterranean  ;  west  by  that  sea 
^d  France.  Its  figure  bore  some  resemblance  to  that  of 
a  boot;  its  length  from  Aousta,  in  Savoy,  to  the  utmost 
verge  of  Calabria,  was  600  miles  ;  its  breadth  was  une- 
qual, from  25  to  nearly  400  miles.  The  kingdom  of  It- 
aly now  embraces  30  departments,  including  St.  Marino, 
which  have  a  population  of  6,389»000  inhabitants. 

General  Description  of  the  Political  State.  Italy  is  the  most 
celebrated  country  in  Europe,  having  been  formerly  the 
seat  of  the  Roman  empire,  and  afterwards  of  that  aston- 
ishing universal  usurpation,  the  spiritual  dominion  of  the 
Pope.  It  has  been  divided  into  a  great  number  of  states, 
which  differ  in  extent  and  importance.  Between  the  con- 
fines of  France  and  Switzerland,  on  the  west  and  north, 
were  the  continental  dominions  of  the  king  of  Sardinia, 
viz.  Piedmont,  Savoy,  Montserrat,  part  of  the  Milanese, 
and  Onegiia.  Northeast,  were  the  territories  of  Venice. 
South,  were  the  dominions  bf  the  emperor  of  Germany, 
viz.  part  of  the  Milanese  and  the  Mantuan  ;  and  south  of 
these  were  Modena,  Mirandola,  and  Reggio,  belonging  to 
the  duke  of  Modena.  West  of  these,  were  the  dutchies  of 
Parma,  Placentia,  and  Guastella.  South  of  Parma,  was 
the  republic  of  Genoa  ;  and  southeast  of  this,  that  of 
Lucca.  Hence  extended  along  the  coast  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean, the  grand  dutchy  of  Tuscany.  The  Ecclesiastic- 
al State,  or  the  territory  of  the  pope,  lay  northeast  and 
east  of  Tuscany,  between  the  gulf  of  Venice  and  the  Med-  ' 
iterranean  ;  and  south,  the  kingdom  of  Naples,  with  its 
dependent  islands,  of  which  Sicily  was  the  principal.  Such 
were  the  divisions  of  Italy  before  the  late  war,  \'  hich  has 
wrought  gre'it  changes  in  this  part  of  the  world.  The 
whole  of  Piedmont,  including  Nice  and  Savoy,  has  been 
absolutely  annexed  to,  and  has  become  an  integral  part  of, 
the  French  empire,  as  follov/s  ;  Savoy  is  made  a  depart- 


ITALY.  SOS 

HKnt  tinder  the  title  of  Mont  Blanc  ;  Nice,  anotlier  de- 
partment, with  the  name  of  Maritim^  Alps  ;  and  Piedmont 
has  been  divided  into  six  departments,  the  Doice,  the  Po, 
Marenj;o,  Sesia,  Stura,  and  Tanaro.  The  Milanese  has 
been  erected  into  a  kingdom,  called  the  kingdom  of  hair, 
of  which  Bonaparte  has  been  crowned  king,  and  to  it  have 
been  added  the  city  and  territory  of  Bologna,  the  Venetiim 
states,  the  republic  of  G^cnoa,  Modena,  and  Ferrara.  The 
republic  of  Lucca  has  been  erected  into  a  principality,  and, 
joined  with  Piombino  in  Tuscany,  has  been  given  to  Bon- 
aparte's eldest  sister.  Tuscany  has  been  erected  into  a 
kingdom,  by  the  name  of  Etrurta,  and  given  to  the  duke 
of  Parma  in  exchange  for  his  dukedom,  which  now  le- 
mains  in  full  sovereignty  to  Fiance,  and  is  annexed  to 
that  empire.  In  1807,  Eiruria  was  annexed  to  the  king- 
dom  of  Italy.  The  papal  stales,  with  the  exceptions  a- 
bove  stated,  remained  nominally  to  the  Pope,  till  erected 
by  Bonaparte  into  a  new  kingdom,  called  Latium  ;  which 
■was  ot'  short  duration.  Naples  and  the  two  Calabrias 
•were  erected  into  a  kingdom,  and  given  to  Joseph,  the 
eldest  brother  of  Napoleon  Bonaparte,  who  has  since  been 
transferred  to  the  throne  of  Spain.  Sicily  is,  as  yet,  ua- 
conquered,  and  remains  to  the  late  king  of  Naples. 

Climate.  The  air  on  the  north  side  of  the  Appenines  is 
temperate  ;  on  the  south  it  is  very  warm,  'i  he  air  of 
Campagna  di  Roma,  and  of  the  Ferrarese,  is  said  to  be 
unwholesome  ;  owing  to  the  lands  not  being  duly  culti- 
vated, nor  the  marshes  drained.  In  the  other  parts,  the 
air  is  generally  pure,  dry,  and  healthy. 

Rivers  and  Lakes.  The  principal  rivers  are,  the  Po, 
Trcbbia,  Fesind.  Gerigliano,  Voiturno,  the  latter  in  Na- 
ples, l-iber,  Arno,  Adige,  and  Var.  Tliere  are  several 
tine  likes,  as  the  Maggiore,  Lugano,  Como,  Garda,  Pe- 
rugia, Bracciano,  and  Celano 

AlourUatns.  The  chief  mountains  (^f  Italy  are  the  Alps 
and  Appenints,  which  are  extensive  ;  Mount  Vesuvius,  a 
celebrated  volcano  near  Napies  ;  and  Mount  Algidus,  fa- 
mous in  the  ancient  history  of  Rome. 

Soil  and  Froductions  The  soil  in  general  is  very  fertile. 
It  produces  a  great  variety  of  wines,  and  the  best  oil  in 
Europe  ;  excellent  siik  in  abundance  ;  corn  of  all  sorts, 
but  not  in  such  plenty  as  in  other   countries ;  oranges,- 


7 


304  >TALY. 

lemons,  citrons,  pomegranates,  almonds,  raisins,  sugaj; , 
Bgs,  peaches,  apricots,  pears,  apples,  filberts,  &c.  ihih 
country  also  yields  good  pasture,  and  abounds  with  cat- 
tle, sheep,  goats,  bafFdloes,  wild  boars,  mules,  and  horses. 
The  forests  are  stored  with,  game  ;  and  the  mountains 
have  not  only  mines  of  iron,  lead,  alum,  marble  of  all 
sorts,  alabaster,  jasper,  porphyry,  &c.  but  also  gold  and. 
silver  ?  with  a  great  variety  of  aromatic  herbs,  trees,  shrubs, 
and  evergreens. 

Commerce.  Wine,  oil,  perfumes,  fruits,  and  silks,  are  the 
principal  articles  of  exportation  ;  and  great  sums  of  mon- 
i-y  are  expended  by  travellers,  in  the  purchase  of  pictures, 
curiosities,  relics,  antiquities,  &c. 

Literature  and  Science.  No  country  has  produced  better 
politicians,  historians,  poets,  musicians,  painters  and  sculp- 
tors ;  that  is,  since  the  revival  of  the  arts  and  sciences,  ex- 
clusive of  those  of  ancient  times. 

Religion  and  Language,  The  established  religion  is  the 
Roman  Catholic.  Their  language,  which  is  a  corruption 
of  the  Latin,  is  said  to  be  spoken  in  its  greatest  purity  at 
Florence. 

Cities  and  ArJtquiiies.  Rome,  anciently  the  capital  and 
mistress  oi  the  world,  was  founded,  it  is  said,  by  Romuluj, 
its  first  king,  about  7^3  years  before  Christ.  Its  ancient 
history,  splendor,  and  power,  are  much  celebrated.  In  its 
present  state  it  may  still  pass  for  the  most  beautiful  in  the 
world.  Its  streets,  public  squares,  churches,  palaces,  and 
multitude  of  public  edifices,  built  in  a  style  of  elegance  and 
solidity  ;  its  obelisks  and  vast  columns  ;  its  fountains  deco- 
rated with  noble  taste,  dispersing  water  in  every  part  of 
the  city  ;  the  neatness  of  the  streets  ;  its  chef  d'oeuvres  in 
sculptu'e,  painting,  and  architecture,  ancient  and  modem  ; 
its  delightiul  climate  ;  the  taste  of  its  gardens,  and  the 
spL-nidor  of  its  public  festivals,  (the  fruits  of  a  mistaken 
bigotry)  form  a  picture  so  varied  and  so  delightful,  that 
it  may,  without  question,  still  be  regarded  as  the  first  city 
in  the  world.  It  is  sitUfited  on  both  sides  of  the  Tiber,  on 
seven  hills.  Its  position  is  exactly  the  same  with  that  of 
ancient  Rome.  It  is  about  15  miles  in  circumference,  and 
contains  35,900  houses  and  iS'i,06\!  inhabitants,  of  which 
about  7,000  are  ecclesiastics,  and  of  religious  orders  of 
both  s?xe5,  wr.o  live  in  celibacy.     Manv  of  the  streets  ara 


ITALY,  305 

long,  straight,  and  very  regular  in  their  architecture.  The 
objects  of  cuiiosity  and  interest,  of  taste  and  grandeur,  are 
so  numerous,  that  it  would  exceed  the  hmits  ol  a  woik  of 
this  kind,  even  to  insert  a  list  of  them. 

Naples  is  a  large  and  commercial  city,  the  capital  of 
the  kingdom  of  Naples.  It  is  seated  at  the  bottom  of  the 
bay  of  Naples,  and  is  built  in  the  I'orm  of  a  vast  amphithe- 
atre, sloping  from  the  hilis  to  the  sea.  The  houses,  in  com- 
mon are  five  or  six  stories  in  height,  and  flat  at  the  top, 
on  which  are  placed  numbers  of  fiiuwer  vases  or  fruit  trees, 
in  boxes  of  earth.  The  inhabitants  are  computed  at 
4 1 2,489.  There  is  not  a  ciiy  in  the  world,  perhaps,  with 
the  same  number  of  inhabitants,  in  which  so  few  contrib- 
ute to  the  wealth  of  the  community,  by  useful  and  produc- 
tive labor,  as  in  Naples  ;  for  the  number  of  priests,  monks, 
fiddlers,  lawyers,  nobility  and  footmen,  surpasses  ail  lea- 
sonable  proportion;  the  Lazzaroni  alone  aie  above  ^0,000; 
they  are  tlie  only  common  laborers,  and  are  a  very  indus- 
trious, laborious  and  useful  class  of  men.  vHere  is  ihe  fa- 
mous grouo  of  Pansillippo,  which  perioraies  a  mountain 
just  out  of  Naples,  on  the  side  of  Baia,  near  iiaii  a  mile  in 
length,  cut  through  the  solid  rock,  and  through  which  the 
road  to  Baia  runs.  The  tomb  of  Virgil  is  said  to  be  plac- 
ed just  at  the  entrance  of  this  grotto.  The  baths  of  Nero 
are  placed  at  Baia,  about  six  miles  from  Naples.  Naples, 
fiom  Its  Vicinity  to  Vesuvius,  and  to  seveial  extinguished 
volcanoes,  has  been  always  subject  to  eairhquakcs  ;  the 
last  look  place  in  tiie  ve.ir  1 606,  and  is  said  to  iiave  destroy- 
ed, or  shnkcn  so  as  to  injure,  4-y'i.Ki  hou.^es  in  this  city, 

Fli^rhncEj  for  many  ages  the  capital  of  Tuscany;  is,  at 
preseni  the  mt- tropt-iis  of  the  new  kingdom  of  Etruria. 
It  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  liver  rvino,  about  SO  miles 
from  the  Appenines,  which  seem,  to  overhang  the  city. 
The  river  divvies  the  city  into  two  equal  parts  ;  on  eacii 
side  of  the  nver  are  nubt  btautdul  qua^s  extending 
through  the  wliole  length  of  liic  city,  and  conntcied  by 
ma^^uiticcnt  stone  bridges.  The  private  edifices  aie  m  a 
fine  style  of  architecture^  and  tire  public  buildings  are  in- 
ferior to  non^-  in  rnHgnifKniCi:,  They  uckoa  IT  public 
squires;  7  founrauib,  ctjustantiy  piayin,^  ;  (j  pillars,  or 
cojumr.s  ;  '2  pyram  d^  ;  1 60  beautiful  statues,  placed  ci. 
»'  er  ;n  tne  ])U!>iic  :qurt.eb  or  in  the  sUc'  ts,  or  iu  tLc  fuuii; 
B  3  2 


306  ITALY. 

of  some  palaces ;  1  metropolitan  church,  12  collegrate^ 
and  ^^  parochial ;  35  convents  for  men,  60  for  women  ; 
37  hospitals  ;  and  about  9000  houses.  The  number  of 
inhabitants  in  the  year  1761,  was  72,000;  now  they  a- 
mount  to  80,100. 

Vhnice  stands  on  72  little  islands  in  the  Gulf  of  Ven- 
ice. The  number  of  inhabitants  is  computed  to  be  about 
160,000.  The  houses  are  built  on  piles.  The  streets,  in 
general,  are  narrow  ;  and  so  are  the  canals,  except  the 
Great  Canal,  which  is  very  broad  and  has  a  serpentine 
course  through  the  middle  of  the  city.  There  are  nearly 
500  bridges  in  Venice.  The  ducal  palace  is  an  immense 
building;  besides  the  apartmentsof  the  doge,  there  are  halls 
and  chambers  for  the  senate,  and,  the  diiFeient  councils 
and  tribunals.  The  arsenal  of  Venice  is  a  fortification  of 
between  two  and  three  miles  in  compass  ;  it  contains  arms 
for  60,000  foot,  and  20,000  horse,  arranged  in  an  orna- 
mental manner.  The  Venetians  have  a  flourishing  trade 
in  silk  manufactures,  bonelace,  and  ail  sorts  of  glasses  and 
mirrors,  which  make  their  principal  employments.  The 
handsome  structure,  called  II  Fontica  di-  Tedeschi,  contain- 
ing 500  rooms,  is  that  where  the  Germtan  merchants  depos-. 
ite  their  commodities* 

Genoa,  the  capital  of  the  former  republic  of  Genoa,  is 
about  ten  miles  in  circumference.  Besides  the  cathedral, 
it  contains  32  parish  churches,  many  of  which  are  magnifi- 
cent, and  adorned  with  seulptures  and  pictures  by  the  best 
masters.  The  arsenal  contains  arms  for  34,000  men,  ma- 
chines, models  for  bridges,  the  armour  worn  by  a  number 
of  Genoese  women  in  the  crusades,  a  shield,  containing 
120  pistols,  made  by  Julius  Cesar  Vacche,  for  the  purpose 
of  assassinating  the  doge  and  senate  at  one  time,  &c.  0th- 
crpublic  buildings,  as  the  Aibergo,  which  serves  as  a  poor 
house  and  house  of  correction  ;  a  laige  hospital  for  the 
sick  of  all  nations  and  religions  ;  the  Conservatory,  for  ed- 
ucating and  portioning  300  poor  girls ;  and  a  great 
number  of  palaces  belonging  to  the  nobility.  They  leckon 
at  Genoa,  69  convents  of  men  and  women.  The  number 
of  inhabitajits  is  estimated  at  150,000. 

Mantua,  the  birth  place  of  Virgil,  which  has  20,300 
inhabitants  ;  Milan,  the  ancient  capital  of  Lombardy  ; 
Leghorn,  in  Tuscany  j.  and  Tvrin,  in  Piedmont,  aregli 
celebrated  civics. 


MEDITERRANEAN  ISLANDS.  807 


MEDITERRANEAN  ISLANDS. 


Kingdom  of  Sicily.  This  kingdom  embraces  the 
klands  of  Sicily,  Lipari,  Pantalaria,  and  iEgades,  and  is 
divided  int.0  six  provinces  as  follow,  viz. 

No.  of  Inhabitants » 

1.  Val  di  Mazzara")  ^    ,,     ri    j  643,000 
a    \T  ^    \    \^               I  On  the  J  standi  r-c,y  nnr^ 

2.  Val  di  Dcmona  >■       /-  o-  •;  521,000 

y.  Val  di  Noto        3      "-^  ^'"^''  459.000 

4.  The  Lipaii  Islands  18,000 

5.  The  .■Egades  Islands  12,000 
(j.  The  ibiand  ot  Pantalaria  3,000 


Total  inhabitants  in  the  kingdom  of  Sicily,  1,656,000 

Sicily  is  a  beautiful  island  in  the  Mediterranean  sea,  al- 
most in  the  form  of  a  triangle,  terminating  in  three  points. 
It  is  separated  from  the  kingdom  of  Naples  by  a  narrow 
strait,  called  Faro  di  Messina.  The  two  kingdoms  of  Na- 
ples and  Sicily  are  under  the  same  climate,  and  the  pro- 
ductions are  much  the  same.  Sicily  is  165  miles  long, 
and  i  ri  broad.  In  this  island  is  the  celebrated  volcano, 
called  Mount  iEtna.  The  peope  are  melancholy,  haugh- 
ty, and  jealous  ;  wearing  daggers  in  their  skops  and  work- 
houses. The  wealtliy  lead  voluptuous  lives  ;  th*?  lower 
classes  are  wretchedly  oppressed  dud  poor.  Their  reiigioa. 
is  the  Roman  catholic. 

The  LiPARi  islands  take  their  name  from  tlieir  principal, 
about  eight  leagues  from  the  north  C(  ast  ot  S'ciiy.  '1  hese 
islands  were  called  by  the  ancients,  iE'ilise.,  Vuicaniae,  and 
In<^ui2e  Lipa.jEorum,  and  ieignt-d  to  be  the  residence  of 
^  >lus  and  Vuican.  Lipari,  the  laigesr,  is  pi^puious  and 
■weil  cultivated.  It  is  about  15  miles  in  circumference  ; 
the  air  is  healthy,  and  the  inhabitants  are  industrious.  In 
this  island  weie  formerly  pits,  Tth'ch  emited  fire  and 
smoke.  The  other  islands  are,  Slromboli,  Panaria,  Vulca- 
no,  Saiini,  Aiicudi;  and  Feiicudi,  with  one  or  two  smalL- 
er  ones. 


808  MEDITERRANEAN  ISLANDS. 

^GADEs  are  three  small  islands  near  tlie  west  end  of  the 
islands  of  Sicily,  called  Favignana,  Lovonzo,  and  Mareta- 
nia,  constituting  a  province  of  the  kingdom  of  Sicily. 

Pantalaria  is  an  island,  makings  province  of  the  king- 
dom of  Sicily,  lying  between  that  island  and  the  coast  of 
Africa,  17  miles  in  circumference.  It  is  not  iar  from  the 
coast  of  Tunis,  and  abounds  in  cotton,  fruit,  and  wine. 
Lat.  36°  4b'  N. ;  aad  Ion.  12°  3C/  £. 

Kingdom  of  Sardinia.  This  kingdom  consists  of  4 
provinces,  viz. 

No.  of  inhabitants  in  17&0» 

1.  Cagliari  11.5,54.1 

2.  Arborea  130.974. 

3.  Lo^rodoii  .133,544- 

4.  Gallura.  71,428 


Total  inhabitants  in  the  kingdom  of  Sardinia  45  J  ,487 

The  number  now  is  about  520,000.  Its  militia  amount 
to  4000  men.     Its  revenue  is  about  one  million  guilders. 

Sardinia  Is  142  miles  from  north  to  souih,  and  80 from 
east  lo  west.  The  soil  is  fertile  in  corn,  wine,  oranges, 
citrons  and  olives.  On  the  coast  is  a  fishery  for  anchovies 
and  coral.  The  air  is  unheakhy,  from  the  marshy  land. 
Here  are  mines  of  silver,  lead,  sulphur,  and  alum.  Cagli- 
ari is  the  capital  of  this  island. 

Malta  is  situated  in  the  middle  of  the  Mediterranean,, 
between  Barbary  and  Sicily,  in  north  latitude  35  aO. 
This  islAud,  which  has,  for  its  basis,  a  calca;eous  tock, 
contains,  according  to  several  travellers,  notimig  inttiest- 
ing  to  the  naturai  historian,  except  a  tew  fos^i.s.  Ir-j  rig- 
ure  is  inegular,composedof  small  valleys, dt'hks  and  hiils ; 
and  may  be  represented  as  a  plain  inclining  from  ihe  south- 
west to  the  northeasr,  so  thai  the  caicaicous  strata,  of 
■which  it  is  entirely  composed,  are  very  nearly  para-iM  to 
each  other.  i\  ch.iin  of  low  mountains,  running  tr:.m 
southeast  to  northwest,  divi  cs  the  ^siand  thu'ugh  ilif  mid- 
dle. It  is  seven  leagues  in  it.ny^th,  th.ee  in  nrtacich  and 
twenty  one  in  circamf*itn'.;e  .  The  nurnhti  ot  inli.ibiiarts 
is  said  to  be  QUjOOO.      The  common  'I'-opie  s^^cak  Arabic, 


TURKEY.  309 

but  the  better  sort  Italian.  The  institution  ©f  tlie  knights 
of  Malta,  was  in  the  tenth  century  at  Jerusalem,  for  the 
tare  of  the  wounded  in  the  Christian  wars  ;  they  afterwards 
settled  in  the  isle  of  Rhodes,  but,  being  driven  from  thence 
in  1530,  the  island  of  Malta  was  given  them  by  Charles 
V.  king  of  Spain  and  emperor  of  Germany.  Malta  was 
taken  by  the  French  in  the  summer  of  1 793  ;  but  was  soon 
after  captured  from  them  by  the  British.  Malta,  Melita, 
©r  Citia  Vecchia,  an  ancient  and  strongly  fortified  city,  is 
on  a  hill  in  the  centre  of  the  island,  and  was  formerly  twice 
as  large  as  at  present.  Near  this  city  arc  the  catacombs, 
which  are  said  to  extend  fifteen  miles  under  ground. 

Corsica,  between  41  and  4<3  degrees  north  latitude,  is 
separated  from  Sardinia  by  the  strait  of  Bonafacio,  and  is 
opposite  the  coast  of  France  and  Spain.  It  is  150  miles 
from  north  to  south,  and  from  40  to  50  in  breadth.  It  is 
mountainous,  but  has  fruitful  vallies  and  some  fine  lakes 
and  rivers.  Corsica  in  earliest  times  has  been  famous 
for  its  swarms  of  bees,  and  produces  vast'quantities  of  hon- 
ey. After  many  revolutions,  this  island  was  taken  by  the 
French,  in  179G,  and  is  divided  into  two>.  departments. 
Bastia  is  the  largest  town  ;  but  Corte,  in  the  centre  of  ilie 
island,  is  reckoned  the  capital.  The  number  of  inhabit- 
ants on  the  island  is  about  166,000.  It  is  the  bi:th  place 
of  Napoleon  Bonaparte,  Emperor  of  France. 


TURKEY. 

THE  Turkish  Dominions,  or  the  Ottoman  empire,  is 
divided  into  three  grand  divisions,  conLaining  800,000 
square  miles,  viz. 

No.  of  Inhalitanls. 

1.  Turkey  in  Europe  9,^22,000 

2.  Turkey  in  Asia  11,090,000 

3.  Turkey  in  Africa  3,500,000 


Total  24,412,000 

TURKEY  IN  EUROPE. 
■.x!;r.i  ar:(/ Boundaries.     European  Tarkev  extends  87'* 


310  TURKEY. 

miles  in  length,. from  3i  to  49=*  north  lat.  and  680  ia 
breadth  from  east  to  west.  It  is  bounded  by  the  territo- 
ries of  Russia  and  Austria  on  the  north  ;  wast  by  the 
Adriatic  and  Mediterranean  ;  south  by  the  Mediterranean  ; 
east  by  the  Archipelago,  the  Euxine,  and  the  sea  of  Mar- 
mora. 

Divisions.  It  contains  the  provinces  of  Bessarabia,  Mol- 
davia, Walachia,  Bulgaria,  Servia,  Bosnia,  Romania, 
Macedonia,  Janna,  Livadia,  Albania,  part  of  Croatia  and 
Dalmatia»and  the  Morea. 

Climate,  Soil,  and  Face  of  the  Country.  These  extensive  re- 
gions in  general  enjoy  a  deiightfui  climate  The  country 
is  rather  mountainous  ;  but  the  soil  is  fertile,  producing 
vines,  melons,  rice,  wheat,  and  rich  pasturage.  That  soil 
must  be  rich  indeed,  which  supports  its  inhabitants  with 
the  lazy  cultivation  of  the  Turks. 

Rivers.  1  he  Danube  is  for  4-00  miles  a  Turkish  stream, 
being  in  soine  phices  a  mile  wide.  "^Fhe  Save,  the  Niesier, 
the  Nieper,  and  the  Don  aie  the  best  known  rivers  in  this 
country  ;  thoujifh  many  others  have  been  celebrated  by 
poets  and  hisiorians.  The  M.iritz,  or  ancient  Hebrus, 
rises  in  the  mountains  of  Haemas,  and  fails  into  the  -£gean 
sea,  after  a  course  of  250  mues. 

Lakes.  These  are  hot  remarkable.^  The  Lago  di  Sen- 
tari  lies  in  Albania.  It  commuiiicates  with  the  Lago  di 
Piave  and  the  Lago  di  Holti.  The  Stymphaius,  so  fa- 
mous for  its  hr^rpies  and  ravenous  birds,  lies  in  Morea  ; 
and  Paneus,  from  its  qualities,  is  thought  to  be  the  lake 
from  wiiich  the  Styx  issues,  conceived  by  the  ancients  to 
be  the  passage  into  hell. 

Mounatns.  These  are  the  most  celebrated  of  any  in  the 
world,  and  most  fruitful.  Mount  .ithos  lies  on  a  penin- 
sula, running  into  the  iEu;ean  sea  ;  the  iMounts  Pindus 
and  Olympus,  celebrarcd  in  Grecian  fables,  separate  Thes- 
saiy  from  Epirus.  Parnassus,  In  Achaia,  so  famous  lor 
being  consecrated  to  the  Muses,  is  well  known.  Mount 
Haemus  is  likewise  often  mentioned  by  the  poets ;  but  most 
of  the  other  mountains  have  chivuged  their  names. 

Commerce  and  Manufactures.  Situated  in  the  centre  of 
the  eastern  continent,  the  Turks  might  easily  acquire  the 
trade,  as  well  as  the  empire,  of  the  world,  if  not  prevented 
by  their  indolence  and  the  maxims  of  their  governmeatv 


TURKEY.  311 

Th«y  depend  chiefly  on  foreign  nations  for  their  manufac- 
tured articles.  Their  merchants  are  mostly  of  the  enter- 
prising Christians  of  the  surrounding  nations  Their  ex- 
ports are  silks,  carpets,  Morocco  skins,  galls,  coffee,  balm, 
balsam,  rhubarb,  sal  ammoniac,  termeric,  frankincense, 
myrrh,  opium,  &c.  &c. 

Religion,  The  religion  of  the  Turks  is  the  Mahometan  ; 
but  it  is  said  that  two  thirds  of  the  inhabitants  in  European 
Turkey  are  Greek  Christians  The  Mufti  or  Mahometan 
Pontiff  resides  at  Constantinople  There  are  various  ranks 
among  the  Turkish  clergy,  somewhat  resembling  the 
bishop  and  parochial  clergy  of  the  Christian  world. 

Maimers  and  Customs.  The  Turks  are  moderate  in  eat- 
ing and  drinking,  lovers  of  rest  and  idleness.  Polygamy 
is  a  universal  practice  among  them.  Either  party  may 
dissolve  the  marriage  contract  at  pleasure  The  man  sel- 
dom sees  his  bride  till  after  the  ceremony,  the  business 
being  negociated  \>y  female  friends.  The  dead  are  per- 
fumed with  incense,  and  buried  in  a  cloth  open  at  top  and 
bottom,  that  the  deceased  may  sit  up  and  conveise  with 
the  angels  of  death. 

Government,  fhe  sukan  is  a  despotic  sovereign,  but 
strictly  subject  to  the  laws  of  the  Koran,  which  includes 
the  national  religion  and  laws. 

Army.  The  Turkish  army  consists  of  200,000  infantry 
and  ]bl,000  cavalry.  Their  navy  is  ill  constructed,  and 
consists  of  about  15  ships  of  war. 

Cit'ies.  Con  STAN  Tu^oPLt,  the  capital  of  this  great  empire, 
is  situated  on  the  European  side  of  the  Bosphorus.  It 
was  built  upon  the  ruins  f^f  the  ancient  Byzantium,  by  the 
Roman  emperor,  Constantiiie  the  Great.  It  became  after- 
wards the  capital  of  the  Grt-ek  t.inpire,  and  having  escaped 
the  destructive  rage  of  the  barbarous  nations,  il  was  the 
greatest  as  well  as  the  most  beautiful  city  in  Europe,  and 
the  only  one  during  the  Gothic  ages,  in  which  there  re- 
mained any  image  of  the  ancient  elegance  in  manners  and 
arts  It  is  a  plact  of  trade  and  abounds  with  antiquities. 
The  wall  which  sarrounds  the  seraglio  is  thirty  fett  high, 
havinci'  battie.7i(.'nts,  tnrihrasurcs,  and  towers,  in  the  style  of 
ancleiu.  fortificauons.  The  population  is  estiniaied  at 
iOiVHJO,  of  whicli  'J-iO,OOa  arc  Turks,  lOO.OUO  Greeks, 
and  the  renninder  Jews,  Armenians,  and  Franks. 


312  TURKEY. 

Adrianople,  formerly  the  seat  of  the  Turkish  empire 
in  Europe,  is  next  in  dignity.  The  inhabitants  of  Sosia 
;jre  70,000,  Sihstria,  on  the  Danube  in  Bulgaria,  contains 
60,000  inhabitants.  Bucharest,  the  chief  city  of  "Uiilachia, 
has  the  same  number.  Ja«a  and  Bender  have  10  or 
]  2j000  inhabitants  each  •,  Belgrade,  capital  of  Servia,  has 
about  25,000  inhabitants.  Barjaluka  contains  18,000  souls, 
and  Salornia  60,000 ;  Larissa,  an  inland  town,  25,000. 

Anttqutlies  and  Curlcsit'ies.  Almost  every  spot  of  ground, 
every  river,  and  every  fountain  in  Greece,  presents  the 
traveller  with  the  ruins  of  a  celebrated  antiquity.  On 
the  Isthmus  of  Corinth,  the  riiins  of  Neptune's  temple,  and 
the  theatre  where  the  isthmean  games  were  celebrated,  are 
still  visible. 

History.  In  European  Turkey  is  included  the  ancient 
states  of  Greece  and  Macedon.  The  people  of  these  states, 
so  celebrated  in  history,  for  their  government,  politics  and 
revolutions,  were,  on  the  commencement  of  the  Christian 
era,  lost  in  the  general  conquests  of  the  Rom.ans.  To  the 
last  remains  of  the  Grecian  or  Eastern  empire,  the  Turks 
put  a  final  period  by  the  conquest  of  Constantinople,  in 
]45vS.  But  their  militar}'  ir.st'tutions  have  now  lost  their 
•energies,  and  the  zeal  of  their  religious  imposture  has  a- 
bated.  Their  ill  compacted  empire  is  sinking  under  its 
ov/n  weight.  The  Russians  have  become  far  too  power- 
fwl  for  the  Turks  ;  and  the  Turkish  empire  seems  totter- 
in  cr  to  its  fall. 


ISLANDS  BELONGING  TO  THE  TURKISH  EMPIRE, 

BtING    PART   OF   AnCIENT  GrEECE. 


Negropont,  the  ancient  Euboea,  en  the  eastern  coastdf 
Achiia  cr  I.ivadia,  is  90  miles  long,  and  25  broad.  The 
chiet  touns  in  the  island  are  Negropont,  called  by  the 
Greeks  Egripos,  on  tlie  southwest  coast  of  the  island,  on 
the  narrowest  part  of  the  stiait  ;  and  Castel  Rosso  the  an- 
cii;nt  Craystus. 

LtMW')s,  or  iStalimene,  lies  on  the  north  part  of  the 
v5v^ean  Sea  or  Archijielago,  and  is  almost  a  square  of  25 
miles  in  length  antf  breadth,  and  h?,s  8,000  inhabitants. 


TURKEY.  313 

Tesedos  is  remarkable  only  for  its  lying  opposite  to 
old  Troy  It  has  a  town  of  the  same  name,  and  has 
2000  inhabitants. 

ScYROs  is  about  60  miles  in  circumference,  and  is  re- 
markable chit'fly  for  the  remains  of  antiquity,  which  it 
contains;  about  300  Greek  families  inhabit  it. 

Lesbos,  or  Mytelene,  is  about  GO  miles  long,  and  is 
famous  for  the  number  of  philosophers  and  poets  it  pro- 
duced. The  inhabitants  are  40,000  in  number,  and  were 
formerly  noted  for  prodigality. 

Scio,  or  Chios,  lies  about  80  miles  west  of  Smyrna* 
1000  miles  in  circumference.  Though  rocky  and  moun- 
tainous, it  produces  excellent  wine.  It  is  inhabited  by 
100,000  Greeks,  10,000  Turks,  and  about  3000  Latins. 
It  has  300  churches,  besides  chapels  and  monasteries  ;  and 
a  Turkish  garrison  of  l-ioO  men.  The  women  of  this, 
and  almost  all  the  other  Greek  islands,  have;  in  all  ages, 
been  celebrated  for  their  beauty,  and  their  pe.  ons  have 
been  the  most  perfect  models  of  symmetry  to  painters  and 
staturaries.  Among  the  poets  and  historians  said  to  be 
born  here,  the  inhabitants  reckon  Homer,  and  shew  a  little 
square  house  which  they  call  Homer's  school. 

Samos  lies  opposite  to  Ephesus,  30  miles  long  and  15 
broad.  This  island  gave  birth  to  Pythagoras,  and  is  in- 
habited by  Greek  Chrisiians.  It  is  supposed  to  have  beea 
the  native  country  of  Juno  ;  and  some  travellers  think 
that  the  ruins  of  her  temple  atid  of  the  ancient  city  of  Sa- 
mos   are  the  finest  remains  of  antiquity  in  the  Levant. 

To  the  south  of  Samos  lies  Patmos,  about  20  miles  In 
circumference,  but  so  barren  and  dreary,  that  it  may  be 
called  a  rock,  rather  than  an  island.  It  has,  however,  a 
convenient  haven  ;  and  the  few  Gtcek  monks  who  are 
upon  the  island  shew  a  cave  were  St.  John  is  supposed  to 
have  written  the  Apocalypse. 

The  CvcLAbEs  islands  lie  in  a  circle  round  Delos,  the 
chief  of  them,  which  is  almost  midway  between  the  conti- 
nents of  Asia  and  Europe.  Though  Delos  is  not  above 
0  miles  in  circumference,  it  is  one  of  the  most  celebrated 
of  all  the  Grecian  islands,  as  being  the  birth  place  of  A- 
pollo  and  Diana,  tlie  magnificent  ruins  of  whoac  temnlc: 
are  still  visible,     k  is  almost  destliuie  ot  inhabitants. 

Paros  lies  between  ihe  inland-;  of  Luxia  and  Meto's. 
C 


SI  4  Turkey. 

Like  all  the  other  Greek  islands,  it  contains  striking  and 
tnagnificent  ruins  of  antiquity. 

Cerigo,  or  Cythera,  lies  southeast  of  the  Morea,  and 
is  about  50  miles  in  circumference,  chiefly  remarkable  for 
being  the  favorite  residence  of  Venus. 

Santorin  is  one  of  the  most  southern  islands  in  the 
Archipelago.  Though  seemingly  covered  with  pumice 
stones,  yet  through  the  Industry  of  the  inhabitants,  who 
are  about  10,000,  it  produces  barley  and  wine,  with  some 
wheat.  One  third  of  the  people  are  of  the  Latin  church» 
and  subject  to  a  Catholic  bishop.  Near  this  island  anoth- 
er arose  of  the  same  riame,  from  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  in 
1707.  At  the  time  of  its  birth  there  was  an  earthquake* 
attended  with  dreadful  lightnings  and  thunders,  and  boil* 
ings  of  the  sea  for  several  days,  so  that  when  it  arose  out 
of  the  sea  it  was  a  mere  volcano,  but  the  burning  soon 
ceased.  It  is  about  200  feet  above  the  sea  ;  and  at  the 
time  of  its  first  emerging,  was  about  a  mile  broadj  and  5 
miles  in  circumference,  but  it  has  since  increased. 

The  famous  island  of  Rhodes  is  situated  in  36°  20' N. 
lat.  about  '20  miles  southwest  of  the  continent  of  Lesser 
Asia.  The  chief  town,  of  the  same  name,  stands  on  the 
^de  of  a  hill  fronting  the  sea,  and  is  3  miles  in  circumfer- 
ence, interspersed  with  gardens,  minarets,  churches,  and 
towers.  The  harbor  is  the  grand  Signlor's  principal  arse- 
nal for  shipping,  and  the  place  is  esteemed  among  the 
strongest  fortresses  belonging  to  the  Turks.  The  colos- 
sus of  brass,  which  anciently  stood  at  the  i?iouth  of  the 
harbor,  and  was  50  fathoms  wide,  was  deservedly  ac- 
counted one  of  the  wonders  of  the  world.  It  has  36,500 
inhabi^rl^s, 

CjfS:^Ay  the  ancient  Crete,  is  still  renowned  for  its  100 
cities,  for  its  being  the  birth  place  of  Jupiter,  the  scat  of 
legislature  to  all  Greece,  and  many  other  historical  and 
political  distinctions.  It  lies  between  35  and  30*^  of  N. 
latitude,  almost  equally  distant  from  Europe,  Asia,  and 
Afr"ca.  'ihe  ^imous  mount  Ida  stands  in  the  middle  of 
this  island. 

Cyprus  lies  in  the  Levant  .sea,  about  30  miles  distant 
from  the  coist  rf  Syria  and  Palestine.  It  was  formerly 
farr.ons  ior  the  worship  of  Vtnus,  the  Cyprian  goddess  ; 
acd  during  the  time  of  the  crusades,  was  a  rich,  flourishing 


ASIA.  315 

kingdom,  inhabited  by  Chiistians.     It  has  S-l-jOOO  inhab- 
itants. 

The  islands  of  the  Ionian  sea  r.re,  S;^picnza,  Stivali, 
Zante,  Cephalonia,  Santamaura,  Corfu,  Fannu,  and  oth- 
ers of  smaller  note. 


A&IA. 


Sit uallony  Extent.  THE  continent  of  Asia  Is  situat- 
ed east  of  Europe,  and  lies  between  the  equator  and 
80"  of  N.  latitude.  It  is  about  4740  mifes  in  length,  from 
the  Dardanelles  on  the  west,  to  the  eastern  shore  of  Tar- 
tar)' ;  and  about  4S">0  miles  in  breadth,  from  the  most 
southern  pait  of  Malacca,  to  the  most  northern  cape  of 
Nova-Zcmbia. 

Boundaries.  It  is  bounded  by  the  Frozen  ocean  en  the 
north  ;  on  the  west  it  is  separated  from  Africa  by  the  Red 
sea,  and  from  Europe  by  the  Levant  or  Mediterranean^ 
the  Archipelago,  the  Hellespont,  the  sea  of  Marmora,  tli^ 
Bobphorus.  the  Black  sea,  the  river  Don,  and  a  line  drawn 
from  it  to  the  river  Tobal,  and  from  thence  to  the  liver 
Oby,  which  falls  into  the  Frozen  ocean  On  the  east  it 
bounded  by  the  Pacific  ocean,  or  South  sea,  which  sepa 
rates  it  from' America  ;  and  on  the  south  by  the  Indian 
ocean  ;  so  that  it  is  almost  surrounded  by  the  sea. 

Population      r^sia  contains  3S0,09H, 000  inhabitants. 

Climate.  This  immense  tract  of  country  stretches  into 
all  ci, mates,  from  the  frozen  wilds  of  Sibeiia,  to  the  sultry 
regions  of  India. 

Seas,  Gulfs.,  isfc.  The  principal  of  these  are  the  Red  sea, 
or  Arabian  gulf,  between  .'Arabia  and  Africa,  the  gulf  of 
Ormus,  washinir  tbe  southern  coast  of  Persia  ;  the  Persian 
gulf,  between  Persia  and  Arabia  ;  the  bay  of  Bengal,  in- 
denting the  coast  of  India  ;  the  inland  seas  of  Caspian^ 
Aral,  and  Baikal  ;  and  various  other  gulfs,  bays,  and  in- 
lets. The  Caspian  sea  is  630  miles  long  and  260  broacf. 
It  has  a  strong  current  ;  is  subject  to  violent  storms.  Its 
waters  .Are  brackisL     It  abounds  wruh  fish  ^nd  sea  dogs. 


SI  6  ASIA. 

Rivers.  The  chief  rivers  of  Asia  are  the  Euphrates  and 
Tigris,  which  fall  into  the  Persian  gulf;  the  Jndus,  Gan- 
ges, and  Burrampootcr,  uhich  empty  into  the  liidian 
Ocean;  the  Yang  t^e- Ki.ing  and  Hoang-ho,  which  pass 
through  China  and  fall  into  the  Eastern  sea  ;  the  Lenas» 
^  Oby,  and  Irtish,  falHng  into  the  Arctic  Ocean  j  and  the 
Volga,  which  falls  into  the  Caspian  sea. 

Mountains  Among  the  most  remarkable  mountains  of 
Asia  is  the  Altayan  ridge,  called  the  Golden  Mountains, 
and  tlie  Girdle  of  the  earth,  extending  about  ,oOO()  miles 
in  length  in  the  northern  part  of  the  continent,  and  divid- 
inq-  the  Russian  from  the  Chinese  Tartars. 

Ne::t  to  the  Altayan  is  the  Uralian  chain,  in  Siberia, 
forming,  as  far  as  it  extends,  the  boundary  between  F.u- 
rope  and  Asia.  1"he  mountains  of  Caucasus.,  extending 
ff  om  the  Blitck  sea  to  the  Caspian,  are  the  highest  in  Asia  ; 
ilwlr  tops  are  enveloped  in  clouds  and  snow.  Taurus  is 
H  chain  which  commences  in  little  Caramania,  and  ex- 
tends far  into  India. 

Gcr.eral  Remarhs.      As  Asia  exceeds  Europe  and  Africa 
in  the  extent  of  its  territoiies,  it  is  also  superior  to  them  in 
the  serenity  of  its  air,  the  fertility  of  its  soil,  the  delicious- 
uess  of  its  fruits,  the  fragrancy  and  balsamick  qualities  of 
4^    its  plants,  spices  and  gums  ;  the  salubrity    of  its   drugs  ; 
*!■•». the  quantity,  vari*>ty,  beauty,  and  value,  of  its  gems  ;    the 
jite^ichness  of  its  metals,  and  the  fineness  of  its  silks  and  cot- 
^^  tons.      It  was  in  Asia  that  the  all- wise  Creator  planted  the 
garden  of  Eden,  in  which  he  formed  the  nrst  s^an  and  fiist 
^1  woman,   from    whom   the   race   of  mankind   descended. 
Asia  became  again  the  nursery  of  the  world  after  the  de- 
luge, whence   the   descendants  of   Noah   dispersed  their 
various  colonies  into   almost  every  part  of  the  globe.     It 
was  in  Asia  ihal  God  placed  his  once  favorite  people,  the 
Hebrews,  whom  he  enlightened  by  revelation  delivered  by 
the  prophets,  and  to  whom  he  gave  the  Oracles  of  Truth. 
It  was  here    that  tlie  great  and  merciful  work  of  our  re- 
demption  was   accomplished  by   his    divine  Son  ;  audit 
was  from  hence  that  the   light  of  liis  glorious  gospel  was 
c-rried  with  araazing-rapidity  into  all  the  known  nations 
by  his  disciples  and   folwCWW^v.Here   the   hist  christian 
churches  were  founded, and  the  christian  faith  miraculously 
propagated  and  cherished  even  v^ith  the  blcod  of  innumei'- 


TURKEY.  91Y 

able  martyrs.  It  was  in  Asia  that  the  first  edifices  were 
rearedratid  the  first  empires  founded,  while  the  other  parts 
of  the  globe  were  inljabited  by  wild  animals. 

Turkey,  Arabia,  Persia,  part  of  Tartary,  and  part  of 
India,  profess  Mahometanism.  In  the  other  parts  of  Tar- 
tary, India,  China,  Japan,  and  the  Asiatic  islands,  they  are 
generally  heathen  and  idolaters.  Jews  are  to  be  found 
every  where  in  Asia.  Christianity,  though  planted  here 
with  wonderful  rapidity  by  the  apostles,  suffered  an  al- 
most total  eclipse  by  the  conquest  of  the  Saracens,  and 
afterwards  of  the  Turks. 


TURKEY. 

Boundaries^  l^c,  ASIATIC  Turkey  is  bounded  north' 
by  the  Black  sea  and  Circassia ;  east  by  Persia  ;  south  by 
Arabia  and  the  Mediterranean  ;  west  by  the  Archipelago, 
the  sea  of  Marmora,  and  the  strait  of  Constantinople.  It 
lies  between  28  and  45°  north  latitude,  and  between  102 
and  121*  east  longitude;  extending  1000  miles  In  length 
and  800  in  breadth. 

Divii'wns,     The  eastern  provinces  qre  as  follows. 

Chief  Toivns. 

1.  Fyraca  Arabic  or  Chaldea     Bassora  and  Bagdad. 

2.  Diarbec,  or  Mesopotamia       Diarbec,  Orfa,  &  Mousu!, 

3.  Curdistan  or  Assyria  Nineveh  and  Betlis. 
4'.  Turcomania  or  Armenia        Erzerum  and  Van. 

5.  Georgia   including  Mingre.|  Amarchia,  and 

ha  and   Imeritia,   and    part  >  ^^     . 

r  n  •  \  Oonie, 

ol  Circassia  j.. 

Natolia,  or  the  Lesser  Asia,  on  the  west,  contains  the 
provinces  of 

1 .  Natolla  Proper  1^"""'  ^^"^''  S'^^'"^*  «"^ 

*^  I-     Lphesus. 

2.  Amasia  |  Amasia,  Trapesond,  and-^ 

(^     oimope. 

3.  Aladulia  Ajazzo  and  Marat. 

4.  Caramania     ''  Satalia  and  Taresso. 
East  of  the  Levant  sea,  is  the  province  of  Syria,   with 

Palestine,  or  the  Holy  Land,  the  principal  places  of  whicji 
C  c  2 


di8  TURKEY. 

are  Aleppo,  AntJoch,  Damascus,  Tyre,  Sidon,  TripoH, 
Scanderocn  and  Jerusalem. 

Lukes.  In  the  north  of  Curdistan  is  the  lake  of  Van, 
being  about  80  miles  long  and  4-0  broad. 

Asphakites  Lake,  known  also  by  the  names  of  the  Bah 
Sea,  Dead  Sea,  and  Sea  of  Sodom,  S.  of  Jordan,  and  on  the 
S.  E.  corner  of  the  ancient  Cannaan.  According  to  Jo- 
sephus,  it  is  72  miles  long  and  about  19  broad.  Modern 
travellers,  however,  make  it  only  24-  miles  long,  and  6  or 
7  broad.  The  rivers  Jordan,  Arnon,  Kidron  and  other 
streams  empty  into  this  lake.  It  has  no  visible  com- 
munication with  the  sea.  The  great  quantities  of  bitumen, 
slime,  or  mineral  pitch  in  this  lake,  render  its  waters  unfit 
to  drink.  No  fish  can  live  in  it.  The  sulphurous  steam 
afFecls  even  the  fruit  on  the  shore  in  some  parts.  This 
lake  is  supposed  to  occupy  the  ancient  site  of  Sodom, 
Gomorrah,  Admahj  and  Zeboim,  and  the  valley  of  Siddim. 
After  these  cities  were  destroyed  in  the  manner  related  ir^ 
the  scriptures,  it  is  supposed  the  spot  on  which  they  stood 
was  sunk  by  an  earthquake  ;  and  some  have  related  that, 
•when  the  waters  of  this  lake  ate  low,  the  ruins  of  these 
cities  are  still  to  be  seen.  When  the  Saviour  speaks  of 
>*'  The  lake  of  fire  and  brimstone,^'  he  is  supposed  to  alinde 
to  this  lakse  Asphaliites^  which  is  considered  as  the  lasinig 
monument  of  those  awful  showers  of  fire  and  brimstone, 
by  which  Sodom  and  Gomorrah,  and  the  other  cities  of 
the  pkin,  perished  for  their  vile  lusts. 

Near  the  centre  of  Natolia  is  a  remarkable  salt  lake,  70- 
jniles  long. 

Rivers.  The  Euphrates  is  the  principal  river  of  Asiatic 
Turkey,  rising  in  the  mountains  of  Armenia  and  falling 
into  the  Persian  Gulf  by  several  mouths.  Its  length  is 
supposed  to  be  1400  miles.  The  Tigris,  after  a  couise  of 
800  miles,  joins  the  Euphrates  near  JBassora.  The  chief 
river  of  Syria  is  the  Orontes,  which  falls  into  the  Med- 
iterranean. Jordan,  is  a  river  of  Palestine  rising  from. 
Xake  Phiala  in  Anti-Libanus.  It  runs  under  ground  IB 
miles,  then  breaks  out  at  Peneum  ;  passes  through 
Samachomite  lake,  anciently  called  Meron,  6  miles  long,, 
4  broad.  Two  miles  after  its  leaving  the  lake  is  a  stone 
bridge  of  3  arches,  called  '*  Jacob's  Bridge,"  supposed  to 
have  been  built  before  the  days  of  Jacob.     After  separtit- 


TURKEY.  319 

ing  Galilee  from  Tracontis,  it  passes  through  the  lake 
Tiberias  ;  thence,  after  a  course  of  65  miles,  part  of  tiie 
\Va/  through  a  horrid  desert,  receiving  the  Carith,  (on  the 
bank  of  which  Elijah  was  fed  by  ravens)  and  many  other 
tributary  streams,  it  empties  into  the  Dead  sea.  It  is  a 
very  rapid  river,  generally  about  4<  or  5  rods  wide,  and  9 
feet  deep,  and  except  in  freshets,  runs  2  yards  below  the 
brink  of  its  channel.  The  waters  are  turbid,  but  very 
wholesome. 

Mountains.  The  mountains  of  Taurus,  already  describ- 
ed, are  in  Asiatic  Turkey.  In  Syria  the  most  celebrated 
mountain  is  Libanus  or  Lebanon,  famous  for  its  cedars. 
Olympus,  Ida,  and  others  of  classical  fame,  are  on  the 
shore  of  the  Archipelago. 

Soil  and  Productions.  The  soil  of  the  plains  is  exceed- 
ir.gly  fertile,  and  is  said  to  yield  the  various  productions  o£ 
almost  all  the  regions  of  the  earth. 

Population.  The  population  of  Asiatic  Turkey  is 
11,090,000. 

Manners,  Customs,  Religion.     See  Turkey  in  Europe. 

Commerce  and  Manufactures.  The  commerce  of  I'urkey 
Is  almost  eniirely  in  the  hands  of  strangers.  It  consists 
chiefly  in  drugs,  dying  stuflfs,  silk  and  v/ool,  and  in  cotton, 
carpets,  and  leather,  which  are  manufactured  by  theTurks. 

Provinces  and  Cities.  Naiolia,  sometimes  called  Asia 
Minor,  once  contained  the  smaller  divisions  of  Troas, 
Mysia,  liLoWsy  Ionia,  Lydia,  Bythipia,  Phrygia,  Lycia, 
Paphlagonia,  Galatia,  and  Piaidia.  The  chief  city  is 
Smyrna,  one  of  the  largest  and  richest  in  the  east,  con- 
taining 15,000  Turks,  10,000  Greeks,  and  2000  Jews.  It 
fias  a  hne  appearance  and  is  the  rendezvous  of  merchants 
from  all  parts  of  the  world.  Here  dwell  a  great  number 
of  ciiristians  of  all  sects,  nations  and  languages.  Here 
tlie  christian  religion  flourishes  more  than  in  any  ancient 
church  of  Asia  Minor.  God  fulfils  his  promise  made  to 
them,  Rev.  ii.  10. 

Amasia,  comprehends  the  ancient  kingdom  of  Pontus. 
Its  capital  is  Amasia,  lat.  40"  31'  N. 

Caraman  JA  includes  part  of  ancient  Plirygia.  Satalia 
is  the  capital. 

Aladulia  lies  east  of  Caramania,  and  was  formerly  ail 
judepcadent  kingdon},    JrUrasch  {%  jbe  capita^. 


320  TURKEY. 

CiRCAssiA  lies  between  the  Black  sea,  and  river  Cuban, 
it  contains  no  city  of  importance  j  and  is  almost  wholly 
subject  to  Russia. 

MiNGRELiA,  bounded  on- the  west  by  the  Black  sea,  is 
governed  by  a  prince,  tributary  to  the  sovereign  of  I- 
jneritia. 

Georgia,  the  ancient  Iberia,  lies  between  Mingrelia  and 
the  Caspian  sea,  and  is  divided  by  a  ridge  of  the  Cauca- 
sus. It  is  partly  under  the  dominion  of  Russia  j  the  cap- 
ital city  is  Teflis. 

Armenia,  bounded  south  by  Georgia,  and  west  by  the 
Euphrates,  is  one  of  the  most  healthful  and  fertile  pro- 
vinces of  Asia.     Erzerum  is  the  capital. 

CuRDisTAN,  the  ancient  kingdom  of  Assyria,  is  bounded 
west  by  the  Tigris.  The  capital  is  Betlis.  The  ancient 
city  of  Nineveh  stood  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Tigris,  in- 
lat.  36°  SC/  north. 

DiARBEKiR,  between  the  Tigris  and  Euphrates>  is  the" 
ancient  country  of  Mesopotamia. 

Irac-Arabi,  the  ancient  Chaldea,  extends  from  Diarbe- 
kir  and  Curdistan  north,  to  the  confluence  of  the  Tigris 
and  Euphrates  south.  Bagdad,  the  capital,  contains 
20,000  inhabitants,  and  is  a  place  of  resort  for  all  the  n-:er- 
chants  of  Natalia,  Syria,  Constantinople,  Arabia,  Persia, 
and  India.  I'he  ancient  capital  of  this  province  was  the 
famous  city  of  Babylon,  which  is  supposed  to  have  stood 
not  far  from  Bagdad.  The  splendor  of  this  city  once 
surpassed  description  ;  her  walls  were  87  feet  thick,  350 
high,  15  miles  square,  and  the  gates  brass.  Her  towers, 
temples,  and  palaces,  rose  like  mountains.  Such  a  city, 
one  would  imagine,  was  in  no  danger  of  becoming  desolate. 
Yet  Jeremiah  prophesied,  "Because  of  the  wrath  of  the 
Lord,  it  shall  not  be  inhabited,  but  it  shall  be  wholly  des- 
olate.'* Isaiah  prophesied  that  Babylon  should  be  de- 
stroyed, and  '•  never  again  inhabited  j  but  wild  beasts  of 
the  deserts  shall  lie  there,  and  their  houses  shall  be  full  of 
doleful  creatures."  Let  us  now  ask  several  travellers, 
whether  these  things  have  come  to  pass  ?  If  they  have,  the 
Bible  is  from  heaven-^  Benjamin,  a  Jew,  was  there  m  the 
12ch  century,  and  says,  "  Babylon  is  now  laid  waste,  and 
men  fear  to  enter  there,  on  account  of  the  serpents  and 
sfeprpions,'*    Another  tiavelier  was  there,  1 57*.    He  me^^ 


TURKEY.  S2l 

tlons  various  ruins,  and  says,  "  they  are  so  full  of  venom- 
ous creatures  that  no  one  dares  approach  nearer  than  half 
a  leapue  from  them,  excepting  for  two  months  in  the  win- 
ter, when  these  animals  stir  not  from  their  holes."  Petrus 
Vallensio  was  there  in  1616,  and  says,  "  that  in  the  middle 
of  a  vast  plain,  about  a  quarter  of  a  league  from  vhe  Eu- 
phrates, appears  a  heap  of  ruined  buildings,  like  a  huge 
mountain  ;  its  situation  and  form  corresponding  with  that 
pyramid,  which  Strabo  calls  the  tower  of  Belus,  and  is  in 
all  likeiiiiood  the  tower  of  Nimrod,  in  Babylon."  Taver- 
nier  relates — "  that  at  the  parting  of  the  Tigris  is  the  foun- 
datioa  of  a  city  : — there  are  some  of  the  walls  standing, 
upon  which  six  coaches  may  go  abreast-  The  chronicles 
of  the  country  say,  "  here  stood  Babylon."  Hanway, 
who  travelled  in  IT+'l,  says,  "  these  ruins  are  so  much 
elTiceJ,  that  there  are  hardly  any  vestiges  of  them  to  point 
oat  their  situation.''  Ano'-her  late  traveller  says,  "  there 
is  n.^t  at  present  a  stone  to  tell  v/here  Babylon  was  situat- 
ed "  W'ch  Micli  astonish'.ng  exactness  has  God  verified 
lus  threatening — "  To  sweep  Babylon  with  the  beaoni  of 
destnictinn." 

^lYBiA,  or  Sursistan,  lies  on  the  Mediterranean.  This 
celcbtaied  country  oomprehgnds  the  ancient  SyrlU,  Judea, 
Phenicia  and  Palestine  ;  it  is  now  divided  into  the  five  Pa- 
chalics  or  governments  of  Aleppo,  Tripoli,  /^cre,  Damas- 
cus, and  Palestine.  It  contains  the  ancient  and  celebrated 
cities  of  Aleppo,  Tyre,  Sidon,  Damascus,  Samaria,  Jeru- 
salem, Jericho,  and  many  others. 

Jerusalem  is  3  mileb  in  circumference,  and  contains  12 
or  1 4-. 000  inhabitants.  The  houses  are  of  srone,  one 
itory  high,  with  flat  tops,  on  which  the  inhabitants  walk, 
cat,  and  sleep.  They  have  battlements  a  yard  high. 
The  inhabitants  are  a  poor,  wicked  race,  the  scum  of  dif- 
ferent nations,  principally  Arabs.  Still  the  city  of  Jerusa- 
lem  is  interesting  to  every  Christian.  Here  his  delighted 
imagination  fixes,  not  only  on  account  of  the  splendid 
scenes  recorded  in  the  old  Testament,  not  only  because  here 
the  Son  of  God  accomplished  th?  work  of  redemption,  but 
becausehereaconstellationof  prophecies  are  fuTfilled.  Jesus 
Christ  f-t retold  that  one  stone  should  not  be  left  upon  a- 
nother  m  the  temple  or  city  In  the  year  118,  the  Jews 
rebelled,  and  Tinius  Rufus  destroyed  the  buildings  which 


322  ASIATIC  RUSSIA. 

had  been  erected  after  the  destruction  by  Vespasian,  and 
levelled  three  towers  which  he  had  spared.  This  literal- 
ly fulfilled  the  prophecy  of  Christ,  and  proved  his  mission 
divine.  Jesus  Christ  also  prophesied,  that  Jerusalem 
should  be  "  trodden  down  of  the  Gentiles."  Adrian 
banished  all  the  Jews.  The  place  was  settled  by  Romans 
aad  other  foreigners.  The  Jews  are  now  persecuted  by 
Mahometans ;  Jerusalem  is  now  trodden  down  by  Gea. 
tiles. 

Antiquities.  A  description  of  the  antiquities  of  these  re- 
glons  would  too  much  swell  this  abridgement.  The  most 
splendid  ruins  are  those  of  Palmyra,  or  Tadmor  in  the  Des- 
ert. Balbec,  the  ancient  Heliopolis,  is  about  50  miles 
northwest  of, Damascus,  cliiefly  famous  for  the  ruins  of  a 
temple  supposed  to  have  been  dedicated  to  the  Sun. 


ASIATIC  RUSSIA. 

Extent.  THE  extent  of  the  Russian  dominions  in  Asia 
\e.xceeds  that  of  all  Europe.  The  length  is  about  53.50 
miles  ;  the  breadth  IP60. 

Boundaries.  This  vast  region  is  bounded  on  the  east  by 
the  seas  of  Kamaschatka  and  Ochotsk;  north  by  the  Arctic 
Ocean  ;  west  by  European  Russia,  and  souih  by  the  terri- 
tories of  Turkey  and  Prussia,  and  the  empire  of  China. 

General  Descriplion.  The  climate  of  Asiatic  Russia  is 
generally  frigid,  ihough  in  some  provinces  it  is  temperate. 
The  south  part  of  Siberia  is  fertile,  producing  all  the  ne- 
cessaries of  life  ;  the  north  part  is  extremely  cold  and  al- 
most uninhabited.  The  northern  and  eastern  parts  of  this 
immense  region  are  covered  with  almost  perpetual  snow, 
and  intersected  by  numerous  rivers,  the  principal  of  which 
are  the  Ob,  the  Oby,  tlie  Yenesei,  the  Angara,  the  Lena, 
and  the  Irtish.  In  the  north  of  Siberia  is  the  large  lake 
of  Piazinsko.     In  the  south  is  the  sea  of  Baikal. 

Asiatic  Russia  is  peopled  by  numerous  tribes,  of  vari- 
ous origin,  manners  and  customs.  The  Tartars  are  the 
most  numerous,  who  are  the  same  with  the  Huns  of  an- 
tiquity. Among  the  distinct  tribes  of  Tartars  are  the  No- 
gays,  the  Kirguses,  the  Bashkirs,  the  Monguls,  the  Tun- 
guses,  the  Samoiedes,  the  liamschadales,  &c.  all  of  whonri 


TARTARY.  325 

pY-etend  to  be  descended  from  Turk,  the  eldest  son  of 
Japheth. 

The  inhabitants  of  Siberia  are  of  three  sorts,  Pagans, 
Mahometans  and  Russians.  The  two  first  awe  clothed  in 
skins,  and  their  weal'.h  consists  in  bows,  arrows,  a  knife 
and  kettle.  The  Russians  settled  here  are  much  the  same 
as  in  their  native  country.  The  country  is  rich  in  tins, 
and  the  mountains  contain  some  mines.  The  most  valua- 
ble animal  is  the  rein  deer.  In  Kamschatka  dogs  are  used 
for  carriages.  The  urus  or  bison  is  found  among  the  Cau- 
easlan  mountains. 

The  principal  Islands  belonging  to  Asiatic  Russia  are 
the  KuRiLE  JsLANDs,  22  in  number,  extending  from  the 
southern  exfremity  of  Kamschatka  to  Jap;ia.;  they  are 
valuable  for  their  furs,  particularly  that  of  the  sea  otter. 
Onlv  four  of  these  islands  are  inhabited. 


TARTARY. 

TARTARY,  taken  In  Its  most  extensive  sense,  contains 
all  that  vast  country  of  Asia,  which  lies  between  the  Arc- 
tic Ocean  north,  and  Persia,  Hindoostan  and  China  south. 
It  includes  a  great  variety  of  nations,  to  which  is  applied 
the  general  name  of  Tartars,  with  a  particular  one  often 
applied  from  their  local  situation.  Tartary  may  be  divid- 
ed into  three  parts,  viz.  Russian  Tartary,  Chinese 
Tartary,  and  Indfpendent  Tartary  The  first  of  these 
divisions  has  been  described  under  the  preceding  article. 

Independent  Tartary  lies  chiefly  between  the  lati^ 
tudes  of  35  and  50  degrees,  and  is  bv  unded  on  the  north 
by  Asiatic  Russia  ;  west  by  Persia  and  Hindoostan  ;  south 
by  Hindoostan  ;  east  by  the  country  oi  the  Kalmucs.  The 
country  enjoys  a  fine  climate,  though  its  northern  parts 
have  excessively  cold  winters.  The  face  of  the  country  is 
vailegated  with  plains  and  hills,  and  the  soil  usually  rich 
and  productive.  Tlie  principal  ridge  of  mountains  is  that 
snowy  ridge  denominated  B  lur  Tag,  on  the  east  of 
Great  Bacharia.  The  greatest  river  is  the  Jihoon,  the 
ancient  Oxus,  which  heads  in  ttie  Bclur  mountains.  The 
Salt  Lake,  or  sea  of  Aial,  is  'iOO  miles  long,  and  70  broad^ 
100  miles  eastwara  oi  '.he  Caspian  Sea. 


524.  •   TARTARY. 

That  part  of  Independent  Tartary,  which  is  best  known* 
is  called  Bucharia.  which  is  divided  into  Great  and  Little 
Bucharia.  The  inhabitants  value  themselves  on  being  the 
most  robust  and  valiant  of  all  the  Tartars.  The  women 
also  surpass  the  other  Tartar ians  in  beauty,  and  sometimes 
attend  their  husbands  to  the  field  of  war. 

The  famous   city  of  SamarcAnd  is  the  capital  of  this 

country.     It  has  some  commerce  in  calicoes,  cotton,  rice, 

and  cattle.     It  was  the  seat  of  Tamerlane  the  Great,  and 

in  his  time  was  celebrated  as  the  seat  of  learning  and  civ- 

-Uization. 

Chinese  Tartary  is  bounded  north  by  Siberia,  east  by 
the  Gulf  of  Kamschatka  and  the  Eastern  Sea,  south  by 
China,  west  by  the  country  of  the  Kalmucs,  who  are  es- 
tablished between  the  Caspian  Sea  and  Kashgar.  The 
different  tribes  which  at  present  inhabit  it  were  formerly 
comprehended  under  the  general  name  of  Mongul  or  Mo- 
gul Tartars,  a  warlike  and  formidable  nation.  These 
Tartars  have  neither  towns,  villages,  nor  houses  ;  they 
form  wandering  hordes,  and  live  under  tents,  which  they 
transport  from  one  place  to  another,  as  the  different  sea- 
sons, or  the  wants  of  their  flocks  require.  Their  ordinary 
drink  is  warm  water,  in  which  a  little  coarse  tea  is  infused  ; 
with  this  they  mix  cream,  milk,  or  butter.  The  Moguls 
are  free,  open  and  sincere.  They  pride  themselves  chiefly 
en  their  dexterity  in  handling  the  bow  and  arrow,  mount- 
ing on  horseback,  and  hunting  wild  beasts.  They  burn 
the  bodies  of  their  dead,  and  transport  the  ashes  to  emi- 
nences, where  they  inter  theni,  and  cover  the  grave  with  a 
heap  of  stones.  They  are  unacquainted  with  money,  and 
trade  only  by  barter.  The  skins  they  use  for  clothing  are 
generally  those  of  their  sheep.  Their  religion  consists  in 
tne  worship  of  Fo.  They  have  tlie  most  super.stiiious  ven*. 
eraiion  for  their  Lamas.  All  the  Moguls  are  governed  by 
khans,  or  particular  princes,  independent  one  of  the  other, 
but  all  subjected  to  the  authority  of  the  emperor  of  China, 
whom  they  consider  as  the  grand  khan  of  the  Tartars. 

Chinese  Tartary  has  3,000,000  inhabitants  ;  and  the 
Taxed  Countries,  subject  to  the  Chinesa  government, 
contain  3 1, .^00,000  souls  Of  these  Taxed  Corntries, 
tbe  principal  are,  1.  Korea,  whicii  has  its  own  king.  Little 
is  known  of  this  country,  as  all  commerce  with  strangers 


CHINA.  C2.3 

i^  proliibkcd.  Number  of  inliabitants  1,500,000.  12, 
Thibet,  or  Tangiu,  which  see.  'i.  The  kingdom  of  An- 
nan, 1 0,000,000  inhabitants.  The  king  i-naintains  1 1  r;,000 
land  troops,  30,000  of  which  are  disciplined  in  ihe  Kuro- 
pean  manner,  and  2d, 800  seamen.  -I-.  Tonkin,  once  the 
incot  powerful  of  tliC  Eastern  Asiatic  empiies,  containing 
with  the  Liqueos  isles,  another  division  of  the  Taxed 
Countries,  8,000,000  inhabitants,  subject  to  the  king  of 
Annan.  All  the  above  governments  acknowledge  the 
Emperor  of  China  as  their  sovereign. 


CHINA. 

Boundaries  and  Extent.  BOUNDED  nortli  by  Tartary, 
from  which  it  is  separated  by  a  great  wall,  .500  leagues  in 
length  ;  east  by  the  Yellow  sea  and  Chinese  ocean  ;  south 
by  the  same  ocean  and  the  kingdoms  of  Tonkin,  Birmah", 
and  Laos  ;  vest  by  Tliiber.  It  lies  between  2!  and  .50 
degrees  north  lat.  2030  miles  long  from  north  to  south, 
and  -190  broad. 

Divisions  and  Population.  China  is  divided  into  17  prov- 
inces, v/liich  contain  •i'-i02  wiilled  cities.  It  contains 
.".3:3,000,000  inhabitants  according  to  Bairow,  188,500,000 
according  to  Hassel. 

Climate.  The  climate  and  soil  are  various,  as  the  differ- 
ent provinces  are  nearer  to  or  remote  from  the  south,  se- 
vere cold  beifrg  felt  at  Pekin,  while  the  southern  provinces 
are  expobcd  to  excessive  heat. 

Rivers  and  C/ma'.s.  Here  are  several  large  rivers,  and 
■where  these  are  wanting,  there  are  fine  canals.  The  prin- 
cipal river  is  the  Hoai-g-ho,  called  also  the  Yello'v  River. 
U  rises  in  Tartary,  and,  after  a  course  of  2000miies,  falls 
into  the  Eastern  sea.  Another  great  river  is  the  Kiang-ku, 
which  passes  by  the  city  of  Nan-king,  and  falls  into  the 
r.cean,  100  miles  south  of  tlie  Hoang-ho.  h)  China  there 
is  scarcely  a  tfiwn  or  even  a  village  which,  has  not  the  ad- 
vantage either  of  an  arm  of  the  sea  or  a  canal  ;  by  which 
jneans  navigation  ;s  rendered  so  coninson,  that  almost  as 
••nany  people  live  (■n  the  water  as  on  tiieiand.  'i  he  grand 
canal  is  one  ot  the  wonders  of  art ;  extending  from  the 
city  of  Canton  to  lliC  e.Miemitv  of  the  empire  ;  it  is  about 

D    D 


32G  CHINA. 

50  feet  wide,  and  parses  through  or  near  41  large  cities. 
It  has  75  large  sluices  to  keep  up  the  water,  besides  sev- 
eral thousand  bridges. 

Lakes.  There  are  several  large  lakes  in  China,  well 
stored  with  fish,  the  chief  support  of  the  neighboring  in- 
habitants. 

Soil  and  Productions.  In  seveial  of  the  provinces,  the 
land  yields  two  crops  a  year  ;  yet,  though  the  husbandman 
cultivates  it  with  such  care,  as  not  to  lose  the  smallest 
portion  of  ground,  China  has  often  been  desolated  by  fam- 
ine. Its  numerous  mountains  (which  are  chiefly  in  the 
north  and  west  parts  of  the  empire)  containmines  of  iron, 
tin,  copper,  quicksilver,  gold,  and  silver  ;  .but  those  of 
gold  and  silver  are  not  permitted  to  be  opened  ;  the  em- 
perors having  always  feared,  that  if  the  people  should  be 
exposed  to  tlie  temptation  of  these  artificial  riches,  they 
would  be  induced  to  neglect  the  more  useful  labors  of 
agriculture.  Quarries  of  marble,  coal  mines,  lapis  lazuli, 
and  rock  crystals,  are  abundant  in  China.  They  have 
potter's  earth  too,  of  such  various  and  superior  kinds,  that 
their  celebrated  fine  porcelain  will  ever  remain  unrivalled. 

Besides  the  ftiiit  peculiar  to  ihe  country,  China  produces 
the  greater  part  of  those  of  Europe.  Among  the  trees 
peculiar  to  China,  is  the  tallow  tree,  the  fruit  of  which  has 
all  the  properties  of  tallow ;  the  wax  tree  ;  the  tsi-chu,  or 
varnish  tree  ;  the  iron  wood,  which  is  so  hard  and  heavy, 
that  it  sinks  in  water,  and  the  anchors  of  the  Chinese  ships 
of  war  are  made  of  it  ;  the  camphire  tree  ;  the  bamboo 
reeds,  the  tea  tree,  &c. 

Ciinl  and  PoUtical  History.  Learning,  v.'ith  the'arts  and 
sciences  in  general,  are  much  cultivated,  in  this  country. 
The  government  is  absolu'e,  and  the  emperor  has  the  priv- 
liege  of  naming  his  successor,  but  the  chief  mi^ndarin 
has  permission  to  tell  him  of  liis  faults.  He  locks  upon 
his  subjects  as  his -children,  and  professes  to  govern  ihem 
^vith  paternal  aircctlon.  In  the  gniden  of  one  his  paiacis 
is  a  temple,  in  which  is  a  magnificent  throne.  On  this  the 
emperor  sits  at  ceilain  timci,  to  hear  and  determii:e  causes. 
Such  is  the  virtue  of  tlii--,  seat,  iliat  it  is  believed,  that  on 
the  justice  or  injusricc  of  \k\h  decrees,  his  life  or  immediate 
doulh  depcnJ^. 


CHINA.  327 

Their  empire  is  very  ancient,  and  they  pretend  thit  it 
existed  ni.my  thoasand  years  beture  Nouh's  Hood  :  it  is 
generally  allowed  to  have  continued  lOOO  years.  The  an- 
nual revenues  of"  th?  crown  are  computed  at  9,000,000/- 
The  surplus  revenue  remitted  to  Pclvin  in  the  year  179'i) 
W.IS  stated  to  be  about  12,000,001)/.  steilin^.  The  atten- 
tion, precautijn,  and  extreme  jealoii.^y  of  the  government, 
h.ive  not  been  considered  sufficient  ior  the  protection  of 
llie  empire,  wichout  the  assistance  of  an  immense  stand- 
in;^  army,  which  in  the  midst  of  a  profound  peace,  was 
stated  by  Vanta-gin,  to  consist  of  1,000,000  of  infant: y, 
and  S00;000  cavalry. 

Their  religion  is  paganism.  Th.ey  allow  pivlyganr.-. 
The  government  his  lat-ly  published  a  decree,  proh-biting 
i;ie  propai;ai;oi7Mf  the  Christian  religion  in  the  eniplre, 
on  pain  i-f  death. 

Liiics.  Pekin,  50  miles  from  tlie  great  wall,  is  -he  cap- 
ital oi  China.  It  is  six  le.igut-s  in  circurnfcience.  I'.s 
temples  and  towers  are  nu.merous  ;  and  its  inlKibitan-.s 
2,000,000.  Nanking  is  the  largest  ciiy  in  the  cmi>irc. 
Canton,  the  only  port  to  which  Europe '.n%  are  admitted, 
ii.20  Biiles  in  compacs,  contains  2,000,(i('0  mlvabitants,  and 
ctten  sees  5000  trading  vessels  at  a  time,  v.aiting  to  re- 
ceive its  rich  commodities. 

Cur'wsiths.  The  most  remarkable  ant'Cjuity  (.{  CiJtia  is 
tlie  gre.it  w.i'.l,  eiectcd  at  a  remote  period,  \u  puvent  the 
inc'Jisions  f;f  tlie  Tartars,  it  is  a  stupendous  woikj  tra- 
versing rnou,-;L.-t!ns  ?.vA  vallies,    a!iJ  crowned  with  towers. 

lu.iiui:.  \.\  t;i':  Chinese  sea  are  several  islands  ot  ccnse- 
quvnce.  H  a  i  n  a  n  ,  sepii  .iicd  from  the  pi  ovince  of  Qiiang- 
long  by  a  narr.r.v  s'.i.iiu  is  'A)  leagues  long,  an  I  25  broad. 
It  contains  mines  of  go'd  avA  lapi.--.  l.i/.uli,  -awX  many  torts 
ot  valuable  wc';d.  The  natives  are  d  jlorn:cd,  small  in 
stature,  and  ot  a  copper   culor. 

Foi.::  )SA,  on  the  northeast  coast,  is  210  miles  long  by 
GO  broctd.  it  produces  two  lnirve.sts  in  a  yei'.r  ;  and  has  a 
riv.li  variety  <A  tiees,  fruiti,  planti,  cpiaur npiv's,  and  buds. 
Oii'y  part  of  it  is  gwvern^d  by  tire  Chinese  ;  the  remain- 
der lb  poistssed  by  the  cginal  inh.ibitants,  \<\\()  are  rep- 
resented as  in  a  state  of  nature.  The  capiiid  city  is  built 
in  t:-;c  Chine. e  style  ;  it  lias  a  good  port ;  but  t  f  dilhcu.!?; 
eatrar.ce. 


S^S  THIBKT. 

LEoo-KTvcn.  a  c^roup  ':ri.,]:ind3  to  tiie  northeast  of  F 
mosa,  are  tributary  to  China. 


THIBET. 

WEST  of  China  lies  the  country  of  Tl-'j^r.  or  T;ingut, 
bonnded  nortii  by  T^rtary.  west  by  liindno.tan,  south  by 
Assam  and  Eiii.'iuh  ;  J  O'JO  niilcs  ion<^,  its  b;  cadthune- 
qnal  Accordifig  to  Templeman,  it  contains  1G,82') 
(Gfiman)  sciiK-ire  miics. 

i'iiis  Ci'.iuniry  is  one  of  the  highest  in  Asi.r  ;  it  bcin?  a 
part  ct  that  elevated  tract  wrdch  gives  nsev  not  only  rw  il.e 
rivers  of  India  and  Cltina,  but  also  to  ti:>*'e  of  Siberia  and 
'LVa-tary.  We  are  inform.:d  that  it  is  _yenera]iy  divided 
into  tlnee  parts,  Upper,  Middle,  and  Lower 'Thibet.  I  he 
upper  divisicm  seems  to  respect  tlie  countries  toward;  the 
sources  of  the  Ganges  and  Sanpoo  rivers  ;'lhe  middle,  i.hat 
iii  wi-icis  Lassa  is  situated,  and  of  which  it  terms  the  cen- 
tre ;  and  the  Lower  Thibet,  that  which  bc»rders  on  On'na  ; 
but  the  subject  is  obscure.  Little  'i'hibet,  which  isbilnat- 
ed  between  Upper  Thibet  and  Cashgar,  is  rather  a  dc 
]!endency  of  tlie  hatter,  than  of  Great  Thibet. 

t^lonsidering  the  exceeding  rough  and  sterile  state  of  tie 
country  ot  Thibet,  and  tire  severity  of  its  ciirriate  fron'i  its 
v/onderfid  elevation.,  we  are  astonislied  to  find  its  inhabit- 
ants in  a  high  state  of  civilization  ;  their  houses  lolty  ai;d. 
built  of  str;ne  ;  and  the  useful  manufactures  in  som--  Jc^ 
j';ree  of  improvement.  All  these  advantages  they  prooaoiv 
v}we  to  their  vicinny  to  the  Chinese,  to  v»'hom  the  larjj.i  is 
in  some  respects  triburaty. 

The  Thiberians  are  governed  by  the  grand,  lama,  w!iO 
h  not  only  adored  by  them,  but  is  also  the  object  of  ado- 
ration for  the  various  tribes  of  pagan  'I'artars,  who  walk 
through  the  vast  extent  of  continent,  which  stretches  from 
the  Volga  to  Corea.  He  is  not  only  the  sovereign  pon- 
tiff, the  vicegerent  of  the  Deity  on  earth,  but  by  the  moie 
remote  Tartars  is  absolutely  regarded  as  the  Deity  Ihmsclf. 
T^hey  believe  him  to  be  immortal,  and  endowed  \tuh  all 
knowledge  ani  virtue.  Every  year  they  come  from  dif- 
iVrent   parts  to  worihip,  and  m.ike  rich   olicrirgs   at   his 


HINDOOSTAN.  r,2j 


'-y 


shiiiic.  Even  the  emperor  of  Cliina  acknowledges  the 
lama  in  his  reh'glous  capacity  ;  although,  as  a  tempoial 
sovereign,  the  Lima  himself  is  tributary  to  him.  The  o- 
pinion  of  the  most  orthodox  Thibetians.  is,  that  when  the 
.<:;rand  iama  seems  to  die,  either  of  old  age  or  infirmity, 
his  soul,  in  reality,  only  quits  a  crazy  habitation,  to  look 
for  another  younger  or  better  ;  and  it  is  discovered  again 
in  the  body  of  some  child,  by  certain  tokens,  known  only 
to  the  priests,  in  wliich  order  he  always  appears.  Beside 
the  religious  influence  and  authority  of  the  grand  lama, 
he  is  possessed  of  unlimited  power  throughout  his  doniin= 


:ons. 


The  religion  of  Thibet  differs,  in  many  respects,  from 
that  of  the  ancient  Bramins,  yet,  in  other  things,  they  have 
a  great  afiinicy.  The  Thibetians  have  a  g:eat  veneration 
for  the  cow,  and  liighly  respect  also  the  waters  of  the  Gan- 
ges, the  source  of  which  they  believe  to  be  in  heaven.  The 
Sunnius'ios,  or  Indian  pilgrims,  often  visit  Thibet  as  a  holy- 
place  ;  and  the  lama  always  maintains  a  body  of  nearly 
300  of  them  in  his  p.iy. 

This  is  o;;e  of  the  least  favored  countries  in  the  world, 
Low,  rocky  hills,  without  vegetation,  extensive  arid  plains, 
of  stubborn  a'ipect,  promise  little  proUuce,  and  are  gener- 
raily  incapable  of  culiure.  The  climate  is  ;,o  cold,  that  it 
drives  ilie  people  to  valleys,  hollows,  and  sheiter-ng  rocks, 
"^rhe  Hocks  of  wild  fowls,  beasts  of  pcey,  and  herds,  are  as- 
tonishing. 

The  dead  are  consumed  by  fire,  or  devourt  ti  by  beasts, 
tivj  mortal  remains  of  the  sovereign  iamas  excepted, 
'i'hese  are  biuied,  sometimes  in  a  coifin  of  gold.  Under 
the  portico  of  the  mausoleum  are  priests,  who  read  and 
pray  always  upon  the  same  spot,  and  k'^ep  alive  the  sacred 
fire  that  burns  before  the  shrine.  They  occasionally  r  • 
lieve  each  other. 

Thibet  contains  12,000,000  inhabitant;-..  Tha  missicv. 
aries  esLimatc  th.em  at  i;3,000;000. 


HINDOOSTAN, 

Udiu.ljr'us  and  Extent.      FflNDOOS  TAX,    culled   a]^> 
•NOiA  ON'  THIS  siuK  Ti'£  (  f  A s '.•  1-. s,   lics  b'jtv'een  8  and  . 


f)30  HINDOOSTAN. 

degrees  north  latitude,  and  is  bounded  on  the  nortli  t>v 
Tartary  and  Thibtt ;  east  by  Assam  and  Arracan  ;  south 
by  tl-.e  sea  ;  west  by  the  river  Indus  ;  ISOO  miles  long, 
and  iGOO  broad. 

Climate.  The  climate  towards  the  north  is  temperate  ; 
but  hot  in  the  south.  It  rains  almost  constantly  for  thiee 
months  in  the  year. 

Rivers.  The  Indus,  the  Ganges,  and  the  Burrampoc 
ter,  far  exceed  th.e  other  rivers  of  Hindoostan  in  magni- 
tude. The  Ganges  is  one  of  the  finest  rivers  in  the  world. 
It  is  revered  by  the  Hir.doos  as  a  deity  who  is  to  wash  a- 
•way  all  their  sins.  Its  v/hole  course  is  2100  miles  ;  it 
empties  into  the  sea  by  several  mouths. 

Productiorisr  'I'he. vegetable  products  of  Hindoostan  are 
almost  innumerable,  and  exirernely  luxuriant.  The  strain 
most  cultivated  is  rice.  AH  kinds  of  fruit  suited  to  the 
climate,  are  produced  here  in  abundance.  The  domestic 
animals  are  buffaloes,  sheep,  camels,  elephants.  Of  wild 
quadrupeds  are  the  rhinoceros,  the  Bengal  tiger,  monkies, 
wild  boars,  5cc.  The  mines  of  Golccnda  have  long  been 
celebrated  for  diamonds. 

Fopulat'wn,  Religion^  Is'c.  The  inhabitants  of  Hindoostan 
are  computed  at  about  10,000,000  Maliometans,  and 
1  00,000,000  Hindoos.  'I'he  Mah.ometans,  or  Mussulmans, 
are  represented  ro  be  ofa  detestable  character.  I'he  Hin- 
doo':,  or  GenLoos,  are  of  a  black  complexion  ;  their  hair 
is  long,  their  persons  straight  and  elegant,  and  their  coun- 
tenances open  and  pleasant.  They  differ  materially  from 
aVi  other  nations  by  being  divided  into  tribes  or  casts. 
The  lour  principal  are,  the  Bramlns,  Soldiers,  Laborers, 
and  Mechanics  ;  and  these  are  subdivided  into  a  miulti- 
plicity  or  inferior  distinctions. 

Their  institutions  of  religion  form,  a  complete  system  of 
uv.perstitlon,  upheld  by  every  thing  which  can  excite  tf.e 
reverence  of  the  people.  The  temples,  consecrated  to  their 
deities,  are  m.aeniticent ;  their  religious  ceremonies  splen- 
did ;  and  the  absolute  dominion,  which  the  Biarnins  have 
obtained  over  the  minds  of  the  people,  is  supported  by  the 
command  of  the  immense  revenues,  with  which  the  liber- 
•A'xi)'  of  prinees,  and  the  zeal  of  pilgrims  and  devotees^ 
have  erinched  their  pagodas.  The  dominion  of  religion 
eyt.^nds  to  a  thousand  pr.rticulars,  v-iiich  in  other  couiiUiea 


INDIA.  SSI 

are  governed  by  the  civil  laws,  or  by  taste,  custom,  or 
fashion.  Their  dress,  their  food,  the  common  intercourses 
(if  life,  their  marriages,  and  their  professions,  are  all  un- 
dv-^r  the  jurisdiction  of  rehgion. 

Polilical  Geography.  Hindoostan  is  divided  into  a  great 
number  of  separate  and  independent  governments.  The 
company  of  English  merchants,  trading  to  the  East-In- 
dies, lias  acquired  possessions,  which,  in  point  of  extent 
and  population,  surpass  the  whole  British  empire  in  Eu- 
rope.  I'he  Mogul  empire  being  reduced  to  insignificance, 
the  English  may  be  considered  as  the  ruling  power  in 
Hindoostan.  i  he  principal  mass  of  the  British  posses- 
sions consists  of  the  rich  and  populous  provinces  of  Bahar  % 
and  Bengal.  The  capital  of  British  India  is  Calcutta, 
situated  ou  a  branch  of  the  Ganges,  100  miles  from  the 
sea,  but  accessible  by  the  largest  merchant  ships.  It  is 
supposed  to  contain  half  a  million  of  people,  who  are  a 
mixture  of  various  nations.  It  is  the  residence  of  the 
governor  general,  oi  the  courts  of  justice,  and  of  the  offi- 
cers civil  and  military. 

Dehli,  the  capital  of  the  Mogul  empire,  was  the  most 
_*«?lebraied  city  of  India,  before  it   underwent  the  terrible 
vi«jdevastation  of   the   conqueror.    Nadir  Shah.     It  still  pos- 
'x^sses  many  remains  of  ancient  grandeur  and  opulence. 

IXDIA  BEYOND  THE  GANGES. 

B'^una.irics  /3nd  Extent.  THIS  peninsula  is  bounded  by 
Thibet  and  Cuina  on  the  north  ;  by  China  and  the  Chi- 
nese sea,  east  ;  south  by  the  same  sea  and  the  straits  of 
Malacca  ;  west  by  Hindoostan,  and  the  bay  of  Bengal. 
It  lies  between  1  and  SO  degrees  north  latitude ;  iiOOO 
miles  long,  and  1000  broad. 

Divisions.  India  beyond  the  Ganges  is  naturally  distrib- 
uted into  a  number  of  separate  and  independent  states  ; 
of  which  those  that  are  best  known  will  be  briefly  noticed, 

ASSAM 

Is  bounded  west  by  Bengal  and  Bootan,  north  by  Tl:.". 
bet,  and  southeast  and  south  by  Meci;ley.    The  riycx  ^u:- 


532  BIRMAN  EMPIRE. 

xampooter  runs  through  the  whole  length  of  it.  Its  capi- 
tal is  Ghergon.  The  open  parts  are  marked  with  popula- 
tion and  tillage  ;  the  woods  abound  with  elephants.  The 
mountains  are  inhabited  by  a  people  called  Nauacs,  who 
go  naked  and  eat  dogs,  cats,  mice,  locusts,  &c.  The  oth- 
er inhabitants  of  Assam  have  no  hxed  religion,  or  rules  of 
life.  They  eat  all  flesh  except  human,  even  animals  that 
die  a  natural  death.  They  are  enterprising,  savage,  vin- 
dictive, and  fond  of  war.  They  have  neither  horses,  asses, 
nor  camels  ;  but  they  are  sometimes  brought  there  from 
other  countries.  Asses  they  are  fond  of,  but  are  so  much 
afraid  of  a  horse,  that  one  trooper  would  put  a  hundred 
^  of  them  to  flight  Assam  lies  between  26  and  28  degrees 
^aorth  latitude,  and  contains  2,000,000  inhabitants. 

BIRMAN  EMPIRE. 

The  Birman  Empire  comprises  the  kingdoms  of 
AvA  and  Pegu,  and  derives  its  name  from  the  Birmahs, 
a  warlike  nation  of  the  peninsula.  The  articles  of  com- 
merce are  rice,  cotton,  teek- timber,  vastly  superior  to  oak 
for  ship  building,  on  which  the  English  East- India  compa- 
ny greatly  depend  ;  aloes,  spices,  emeralds,  rubies,  sap~ 
phires,  &:c.  They  have  mines  of  copper,  lead,  and  siJver, 
The  climate  is  healthy,  and  the  soil  fettiie.  Their  system 
of  jurisprudence  is  replete  with  sound  morality.  Their 
laws  are  conscientiously  administered.  When  a  man  dies 
intestate,  three  fourths  of  his  estate  goes  to  his  children 
born  in  wedlock.  They  burn  their  dead;  but  people  of 
high  distinction  are  embalmed,  and  kept  six  or  eight  weeks ; 
honey  is  the  principal  ingredient  used  to  preserve  the  body. 
The  population  of  the  empire  is  supposed  to  be  17,000,000. 
In  the  flat  part  of  the  country,  which  is  liable  to  be  over- 
flowed, the  houses  are  built  upon  stakes,  and  in  time  of  in- 
undations, the  inhabitants  communicate  with  each  other 
by  boats.  Pegu  was  an  independent  kingdom,  till  175\  ; 
when  the  king  of  Bfemah  made  it  a  province.  The  or- 
deal trial  is  common  here  by  putting  the  head  under  wa- 
ter, or  the  hand  into  hot  oil,  or  melted  lead.  If  i\\e  accus- 
er fail  he  must  suifer  what  is  due  to  the  guilty. 

The  capital  of  the  empire  is  UMMARAPOORA,on  a  branch 
©f  the  Irawaddyj  and  not  far  from  Ava,  the  ancient  cap- 


SI  AM,  MALACCA.  ,    333 

hA,  which,  as  well  as  Pegu,  the  former  capital  of  the  king- 
dom ol  Pegu>  is  abanJor.ed  to  ruin. 

SI  AM. 

The  kingdom  of  Siam  is  hounded  north  by  Chma,  e;ist 
by  Laos  and  Camboviia,  south  by  the  gulf  of  Si;im,  west 
by  die  bay  of  Bengal  and  Pegu  ;  5.30  mdes  in  lengcli,  jnd 
'2')0  in  breadth,  though  in  some  places  not  above  50. 
Siam  and  Malacca  contain  l,jOO,()00  inhabirancs.  It  is 
a  fl;it  co'intry,  ;;nd  in  the  rainy  season  is  ove:fl!)wed  :  for 
whic!)  reason  most  of  the  hou^ies  aie  bu'lt  on  inllars,  and 
have  no  communication  ior  some  months  but  by  b  acs. 
The  government  is  despotic,  and  the  people  i)oor.  Tlier^,, 
are  mmjs  of  gold,  silver,  tin  and  coppei,  and  plenty  of  rice,'^. 
cot'on,  aloes,  bepjamln,  &c.  The  tame  cattle  are  beeves, 
buifaioes,  and  hogs.  The  woods  abound  witl'  elephants, 
rhiaocer-ises,  leopards,  and  tijrers.  Tne  inhabitani.-.,  both 
men  and  women,  yo  almost  n.iked,  bin  "he  better  sn'  t  wear 
ricii  garments.  They  are  ofien  mothers  at  twelve  years  of 
ag..  riie  king  shows  him^ed  but  once  a  year  to  the 
C'jmmcn  people.  He  is  prc^^r-ctor  of  ail  the  lands  iri  the 
coi.m.ry,  amt  keeps  a  nunie-ous  army,  am'>ng  wiiich  are 
loot)  eiepiiaiits.  Tlieir  teuioles  and  prie'^is  are  very 
j/ume'-i'iis.  '  ,'ey  have  schools  for  the  education  of  their 
ci'iidren,  and  tliere  is  scarce  any  among  them  that  cannot 
ie:;d  and  write.  Siam,  t!ie  capital  of  the  king:iom,  is  on 
Cu:  Mei:.in,  near  its  niuuih,  in  the  gulf  of  Siam. 

MALACCA 

L>  a  penlnra.ila  and  kingdom,  bounded  north  by  Siam, 
e  i.-t  by  the  oc-ean,  and  soudiwest  by  the  straits  of  Malac- 
Ld  ;  ()<:(i  miles  long,  and  ilOO  broad.  It  produces  fev,- 
cr,nm;odities  for  trade,  except  tin,  and  elepliant's  tectli  ; 
but  there  are  many  excellent  fruits  and  roots.  The  reli- 
gion of  the  natives  has  a  mixture  of  Mahometanism  ;  and 
tiicy  are  addicted  to  juggling.  'I'he  inland  inhabitants 
;;re  a  savage,  barbarous  people,  who  take  delight  in  doing 
ir.i'-chiei  to  their  neighbors.  The  capital  is  Malacca,  a 
ieaport  on  ilie  straits  of  that  name. 


334  PERSIA. 

LAOS. 

To  the  eastward  of  Siain  and  Ava  is  the  kingdom  of 
Laos  ;  a  flat  country,  surrounded  by  mountains  and  cov- 
ered with  forests.  The  large  river  Mecon  crosses  the 
whole  region.  The  climate  is  temperate  and  healthful  ; 
the  soil  fertile  and  rich  in  mines.  The  king  is  an  abso- 
lute, independent  prince,  and  acknov,-ledges  no  superior. 
The  kingdom  contains  3,000,000  souls. 

CAM30DL\ 

Lies  south  cf  Laos,  and,  like  that  country,  is  inclosed 
by  mountains,  and  fertilized  by  the  large  river  Mecon. 
gum.  Mines  of  gold  and  precious  stones  every  where  a- 
bound.  la  the  forests  are  elephants,  lions,  and  tigers. 
The  soil  produces  abundance  of  corn,  rice,  and  various 
medicin-il  drugs.  The  most  peculiar  product  is  Gamboge 
The  inhabitants  are  not  numerous ;  their  religion  is  idol- 
atry.    Cambodia,  the  capital;  is  on  the  river  Mecon. 

COCHIN  CHINA. 

On-  the  eastern  coast  of  India  is  the  kingdom  of  Coch- 
in China,  separated  from  Laos  and  Cambodia  on  the  west 
by  a  range  of  mountains.  The  Vv-hole  country  is  intersect- 
ed by  rivers.  The  climate  is  h-:althy.  No  country  pro- 
duces a  greater  variety  of  articles  for  commerce,  such  as 
spices,  fruits,  d'iferent  sorts  of  wood,  ivory,  gold,  silver, 
&c. 

The  manners  of  tlie  people  closely  resemble  those  of 
the  Chinese.     They  are  pagans. 

^v^    PERSIA. 

Boundaries^  Exfent^  and  Popuhition.  The  kingdom  of 
Persia  is  bounded  north  by  G.'.'orgia,  the  Caspian  sea,  and 
Usbec  Taitary,  west  by  Tuikey  and  Arabia,  south  by  the 
gulfs  of  Persia  and  Ormiil^-.and  the  Arabian  sea,  east  by 
Hindoostan  proper;  1220  miles  from  east  to  west,  900 
from  north  to  south.     It  has  22,000,000  inhabitants. 

RlverS'     The  chief  rivers  are  the  Tigris  and  Amuc. 


ARABIAo  335 

Climate  and  ProJuciions.  In  the  north  and  east  parts  it 
Is  mountainous  and  cold  ;  in  the  middle  and  southeast 
parts,  sandy  and  desert ;  in  the  south  and  west,  level  and 
fertile,  though  for  several  months  very  hot.  The  soil  pro- 
duces all  sorts  of  pulse  and  corn,  except  oats  and  rye.  In 
several  places,  naphtha,  a  sort  of  bitumen,  rises  out  of  the 
ground  ;  and  there  are  mines  of  gold,  silver,  iron,  turcois 
stones,  and  salt ;  the  two  first  are  not  worked,  on  account 
of  the  scarcity  of  wood.  Among  the  excellent  products 
of  Persia,  are  dates,  pistachionuts,  and  poppies  that  pro- 
duce the  finest  opium.  They  have  extensive  plantations 
of  mulberry  trees  for  silk  worms  ;  and  large  flocks  of 
slieep  and  goats.  Their  camels,  horses,  mules,  asses,  ox- 
en, and  buffaloes,  are  the  best  of  their  kind,  and  are  in- 
diiferently  used  for  carrying  passengers  or  burdens,  the 
horses  excepted,  which  are  only  used  for  the  saddle. 

Manufactures.  The  pi  incipal  manufactures  are  silks,  sat- 
ins, tabbies,  taffjtas,  and  bilk  mixed  with  cotton,  or  with 
camel's  or  goat's  hair  ;  brocades,  gold  tissues,  and  gold 
velvet,  carpets,  calicoes,  camlets,  &c.  Their  dying  is  pre- 
ferred to  any  thing  of  the  kind  in  Europe. 

Cmll  and  Political  History.  During  the  last  centuryj 
Persia  was  desolated  by  competitors  for  the  sovereignty. 
So  late  as  1 S07,  there  was  a  formidable  insurrection  a- 
gainst  the  Persian  mona!ch,  headed  by  Been  Sing,  a  man' 
of  extraordinary  enterprise  and  couiage.  The  Persians 
are  generally  Mahometans,  of  the  sect  of  AH. 

Ispahan,  a  celebrated  city,  is  the  capital  of  Persia.  It 
contains  1,000,000  inhabitants.  Shiras  and  Tcflis  are 
large  and  populous  cities. 


ARABIA. 

ARABIA  is  bounded  on  the  west  by  the  Red  Sea,  and 
the  Isthmus  of  Suez  wortheast  by  the  Euphrates,  which 
divides  it  from  the  ancient  Mesopotamia  ;  east  by  the 
gulfs  of  Persia  and  Ormus  ;  and  south  by  the  Indian  o- 
cean.  On  the  noith,  this  cnnntfy  runs  up  to  an  angle, 
abni't  100  miles  east  of  Palmyra,  vliich  is  not  included  im 
Arabia.  It  lies  between  12  'JO  and  31  .'^0  norih  latitude, 
extending  1800  miles  in  length,  and  biOO  average  bicadtb, 


'636  ARABIA. 

and  has  10,000,000  inhabitants.  It  is  divided  into  ihret 
parts,  Arabia  Petrasa,  Arabia  Deserta,  and  Arabia  FeHx, 
Arabia  Petrasa  is  the  smallest  of  the  three,  and  towards  the 
north  is  full  of  mountains,  with  few  inhabitants,  on  ac- 
count of  its  barrenness.  It  liad  its  name  from  the  town 
Petrsea,  its  ancient  capital,  now  destroyed.  It  differs 
little  from  Arabia  Deserta,  so  called  from  the  nature  of 
the  soil,  which  is  generally  a  barren  sand  5  but  there  are 
great  flocks  of  sheep  and  herds  of  cattle  near  the  Euphra* 
tes,  where  the  land  is  good.  In  the  desert  are  great  num- 
bers of  ostriches,  and  there  is  a  fine  breed  of  camels  in  sev- 
eral places.  But  of  all  their  domestic  animals,  the  Ara- 
bians put  the  greatest  value  on  their  horses  ;  which  can 
bear  the  greatest  fatigues,  pass  whole  days  without  food, 
and  show  uncommon  courage  against  an  enemy.  Arabia 
Felix  is  so  called  on  account  of  its  fertility  with  regard  to 
the  rest. 

The  Arabs  in  the  desert  live  in  tents,  and  remove  from 
place  to  place,  partly  for  the  sake  of  pasture,  and  partly 
to  lie  in  wait  for  the  caravans,  whom  they  often  rob,  as 
they  travel  over  part  of  this  desert.  Arabia  Felix  produces 
frankincense,  myrrh,  balm  of  Gilead,  gum  Arabic,  and 
coffee,  of  which  latter  they  export  prodigious  quantities. 
Mahomet  was  a  native  of  this  country  ;  and  his  followers, 
soon  after  his  death,  conquered  a  great  part  of  Asia,  Afri- 
ca, and  Europe,  establishing  their  religion  wherever  they 
came.  The  Arabs  are  the  descendants  of  Ishmael,  of 
whom  it  was  foretold,  "  that  their  hands  should  be  against 
every  man,  and  every  man's  against  them."  This  is  now 
uniformly  true.  The  Arab  in  every  clime  is  the  same  ; 
a  pirate  on  the  sea,  and  a  robber  on  the  land. 

The  capital  of  Aiabia  is  Mecca,  an  ancient  atid  famous 
town  of  Arabia  Deserta.  The,  number  of  pilgrims,  who 
yearly  visit  this  place,  is  almost  incredible 

MiDiNA,  aljout  50  mil^s  from  the  JJ^-Sea,  is  the  place 
to  which  Mahomet  fled,  when  he  wakl^lfecn  out  of  Mec- 
ca. It  contains  a  magnificent  mosque, 'M'v^hich  300  lamps 
are  kepi  always  burning.  The  Arabs  compute  their  time 
from  tie  flight  of  Mahomet,  which  was  in  the  622d  year 
of  the  Christian  era. 


JAPAN.  537 


JAPAN. 


ON  the  eastern  verge  of  Asia  is  the  powerful  empire  cf 
Japan,  consisting  of  three  large  and  a  number  cf  smaller 
islands.  It  lies  about  1 60  leagues  eastward  of  tl^e  coast  cf 
China  and  Corea.  The  author  of  the  Church  History  of 
Japan,  published  in  1700,  computes  all  those  islands  to 
contain  about  (iOO  leagues  in  compass.  All  the  coasts  cf 
this  empire  are  surrounded  wich  craggy,  high,  and  inacces* 
bible  mountains,  and  shallow  boisterous  seas,  and  their 
creeks  and  bays  are  for  the  most  part  choked  up  with  rocks, 
shelves,  sands,  and  whirlpools  ;  so  that  Providence  seems 
to  have  excluded  it  from  all  communication  with  the  rest 
of  the  world.  The  country  is  no  less  pleasant  and  invit- 
ing within,  that  its  avenues  are  discouraging  and  frightful. 
It  is  sufficiently  fertile  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  inhabit- 
ants, and  to  furnish  other  countries  with  rice  ^nd  corn. 

The  country  abounds  v/ith  rivulets,  lakes  and  springs  ; 
they  have  plenty  of  sweet,  as  well  as  medicinal  waters,  and 
fish-  Japan  breeds  a  great  number  of  horses  :  though  not; 
so  large  as  those  of  Europe,  yet  they  are  very  beautiful, 
and  highly  valued.  The  forests  abound  with  ail  sorts  of 
wild  beasts,  of  the  furs  of  which  they  make  considerable 
traffic,  as  well  as  nf  elephant's  teeth.  But  the  great  riches 
of  this  empire  consist  in  the  fineness  of  their  metals  and 
minerals.  Earthquakes  heie  are  frequent  and  sometimes 
very  terrible,  burying  whoie  towns  under  their  ruins. 

The  religion  of  the  Japanese  is  gross  heathenism  and 
idolatry. 

The  government  of  Japan  is  despotic  The  emperor 
Iras  the  power  ct  life  and  death  overall  his  subjects.  The 
inlial)itants  amount  to  1.', 000, 000.  The  army  consists  of 
1  00,000  foot  and  ^0,000  horse.  Thvir  arms  are  muskets, 
bows  and  arr»-v.  s,  jijaj- j;^  rs  and  scimetars. 

The  Japanc-'setfl^B&mc'Jest  and  courteous,  just  in  their 
deai'ngs,  and  vclipfl^enious  in  manufactures.  They  trade 
willi  every  people  except  the  Chine:-e  and  Dutch. 

The  ca;  itrii  cf  tlie  empire  is  Ji.i)U0y,.0ii  the  island  of 
N'p':on,  said  to  be  '21  leagues  in  ctfcomferencc.  Tlie 
n;imcs  of  the   largest    inlands  are   K-iusiA,    tJiKOFF  and 

E    E 


338  ORIENTAL  ISLANDS. 


ORIENTAL  ISLANDS. 

UNDER  this  head  we  include  the  island  of  Ceylon,  the 
Maldives,  the  Andaman  and  Nicobar  Islands,  the  Sunda 
Isles,  Borneo,  tlie  Manillas,  the  Celebezian  Isles,  and  the 
Spice  Islands.  These  lie  in  what  is  called  the  Oriental 
Archipelago. 

Ceylon  lies  southeast  of  the  peninsula  of  India,  from 
wliich  it.  is  separated  by  a  narrow  sea.  It  is  of  an  oval 
^orm,  80  leagues  long  ;  the  soil  is  exceedingly  fertile,  pro- 


belongs  to  the  Engli 
Tiie  inland  parts  are  governed  by  native  princes,  and  are 
lirtle  known.     It  has  600;000  inhabitants. 

The  MALnivEs,  a  cluster  of  small  islands,  in  numWv 
about  1000,  lie  southwest  of  Ceylon.  The  inhabitants 
are  Mahometans  and  Pagans.  Cocoa  is  the  most  valuable 
production.. 

The  Andaman  Ielakds,  two  in  number,  are  near  thi 
entrance  of  the  Bay  of  Bengal,  called  Great  and  Little 
Andaman.  They  are  loaded  with  thick  forests,  almost 
iirpenetrablc.  '1  lie  people  are  a  savage  race  of  beings. 
There  :s  a  small  British  settlement  here. 

TheNiCOBAR  Islands  are  at  the  entrance  of  the  gulf  of 
Bengal.  They  are  almost  entirely  uncultivated  ;  but  the 
cocoa  and  other  tropical  fruits  grow  spontaneously  to  the 
'<>^reatest  perfection.     The  irihabitants  are  not  numerous. 

Tire  Sunda  Isles  embrace  Sunda,  Java,  Balli,  Lorn- 
bok,  Lumbava,  Timor,  and  several  smaller  ones  in  the  vi» 
einity  cS  these. 

SuNOA  is  the  westernmost  of  this  drain.  The  equator 
divides  it  into  nearly  equal  parts.  It  is  900  miles  long, 
and  1 50  broad.  A  chain  of  high  mounttaigs  runs  through 
the  island.  The  soil  prcJrrccs  all  kindsm tropical  fruits 
and  c;rains.  Tigers,  elephants,  monkeys,  and  other  wild 
beasts  are  runrerons.  The  inhabitants  are  Malays,  A- 
checnese,  Bt^ttafi  'iiantipocns,  and  Rejangs. 

Java  is  separated  fnDiin  Sumatra  by  a  narrow  sea,  call- 
ed the  Strait  of  Sunda.  This  island,  with  Madura,  has 
'.'7^>0Q0  inhabl:ant§f   The  Dutch  liave  establishments  on 


« 


ORIENTAL  ISLANDS. 


339 


this  Island,  the  chief  cf  which  are  Batavia  and  Bantam. 
The  other  islands  are  divided  into  several  kingdoms,  or 
states.     The  productions  are  various  and  valaablc. 

Of  the  other  Sunda  isles  little  is  known. 

Borneo  is  900  miles  long,  and  QOO  broad.  The  c.->asts 
are  peopled  by  Mahjys,  Moors,  and  Japanese.  The  orai i- 
outang  is  a  native  of  this  island.  It  is  situated  directly 
under  the  equa'ior.  The  north  part  is  possessed  by  the 
English.      It  has  5,000,000  inhabiia  .:s. 

TIicMamllas,  or  Philippine  Islands,  1 1  00  in  num- 
ber, lie  300  miles  southeast  of  China.  Manilla,  or  Luzon, 
is  the  largest  and  most  important.  They  ;iie  all  in  th  > 
possession  of  Spain  The  inhabitants  are  Chinese,  Ethio- 
pians, Malays,  Spaniards,  Portuguese,  and  Mes'.ers,  wliich 
are  a  mixture  cf  all  the  others.  Their  siMaaiion  between 
uhe  two  continents  is  such,  that  clie  InliabitAi^.ls  carry  on 
U  commerce  v.-ith  Me.\ico  ^ird  Peru,  as  well  as  with  India. 
Oald,  copper,  and  iron  are  nmcnp:  the  products.  Tlie 
city  of  Manilla  contaiiis  33, GOO  inliabitants, 

Celeeezian  Isles.  Of  tiicse  Cekbes,  or  Macacsar, 
in  latitude  1  59  north,  is  the  principal,  it  is  a  ddiglic- 
ful  spot  ;  the  fruits  are  ripe  all  the  year.  T!:c  natives  a:e 
Mahometans.  Around  CclL-bcs  ar-;  many  small  iiland.-', 
governed  by  their  native  chiefs.  They  have  3,000,000 
inhabitants. 

The  Spice  Island:,  called  also  tho  Molvccas,  lie  iii 
the  comp.iss  oi"  23  leiirr-.e:,  south  of  the  Phihpijiu  -s,  1  iicir 
cl;ief  produce  is  cloves,  mace,  and  munieg.',  which  aie  mo- 
nopolized by  the  Dutch.  Tcrnaie  is  the  largest  of  the 
group. 

Ambov:;a,  bef>veen  the  3d  and  'kh  degrees  s:.,!u]i  hi^- 
tude,  is  70  miles  in  ci;  cun;ier^||||^efcntlc>i  by  a  Dutcl: 
g  irison. 


The  Basda,  or  Nutmeg  S^HHae  between  4  and  5  dt.'- 
grees  south  latitude,  and  are  chiefly  in  the  possession  o: 
the  B.M'.ish.     These  islands  contain  about  5000  souh. 


^. 


340  AFRICA. 


AFRICA. 

Boundam:  and  Extent.  AFR I C A  is  a  peninsula,  joined 
to  Asia  b}'  the  Isthmus  of  Suez,  60  miles  over,  between 
rhe  Red  sea  and  rhe  Ileditenancan.  It  is  bounded  on 
the  north  by  the  I  - iditerranean,  which  separates  it  from 
Europe ;  east  I^y  the  Ist])mi;s  cf  Suez,  the  Red  sea,  and 
the  Indian  ocean  ;  sovrdi  by  the  Southern  ocean;  west 
ty  the  Atlantic,  u-hich  divides  it  from  America. 

Hassel  who  is  pe.'^haps  the  best  aiuhority,  in  his  Statis- 
tical Tabits,  published  in  icJl^  dhid-.J  Africa  as  follows. 


Dlvluon'. 

No.  Inhab. 

1 

¥Ai\^d(j 

m  oi  i/lo:occo 

.0,000,000 

*u-. 

Free  it./ 

ito  of  Algiers 

1,500,000 

•i. 

jjc: 

>.          Tin:  is 

]  ,000,060 

4. 

Jjc 

).          'iVipoli 

1,000.000 

5. 

Kin^^do 

rn  of  Abvisinia 

1,000,000 

(>. 

Pos^-csi 

ons  of  the  Ottoina;;  er 

npire. 

3,. 5  00, 000 

7. 

Do. 

of  Spain 

4 1-0,000 

«. 

Do. 

of  Great- Britain 

J  85,000 

9. 

Do. 

of  Franco 

1  1  <S,000 

10. 

Da. 

of  Hcllan  J 

50,000 

11. 

Do. 

of  the  Danes 

5r},000 

i'l. 

Do. 

of  the  Brazilians 

2G  9,000 

13. 

Island  f 

if  Madaga!:\.Mr 

4-,000,000 

1 4-. 

I. land  c 

)f  Hi  11  z nan 

liO,000 

13. 

The  res 

t  of  Africa 

80,000,000 

,^g|^^^  Tqljal     98,94'5,O00 

Gi'n;ral  DacnpnU^^^^^^h  sltuate^i  for  the  most  part 
under  the  torrid  zbn^P^a  the  clin>ate  excessively  hot, 
the  coasts  and  inany  parts  of  the  countiy  ^re  well  peopled. 
The  -sihtives  of  these  scorching  regions  would  as  soon  ex- 
pe^JBjM||:Mble  should  melt  and  flow  in  liquid  str.'ams, 
as  tnaPw^lr. should   be  conofealed   by   cold  and  cease  t6 

i]o-,v. .  <  -m- 

The  rivers  iiWDis  pirt  of  the  globe  are  not  to  be  com- 
pared widi  r^any  in  Vthe  other  quarters.  The  most  con- 
siderable a:  i-^r;  Senegal;  Gambiaj  ;ind  Nile.    The 


AFRICA.  34t 

Niger,  according  to  Paik,  rises  in  a  chain  of  lofty  moun- 
tains, north  lat.  il°,  and  runs  to  the  east.  Its  mouth  has 
not  been  discovered.  It  annually  overflows  its  banks, 
fertilizing  the  country.  The  Senegal  has  its  source  100 
miles  west  from  that  of  the  Niger,  and  enters  the  Atlantic, 
lat.  15  50  north.  The  head  of  the  Gambia  is  more  than 
100  milej  wosc  from  that  of  the  Senegal;  with  man7 
windings,  its  course  is  nearly  west,  till  it  enters  the  ocean, 
lat.  13  30  north.  Tlie  Nile  divides  Egypt  into  two  parts^ 
aj;;d  discharges  itself  into  the  Mediterranean,  after  a  pro- 
aigious  course  from  its  source  in  Abyssinia. 

The  most  considerable  mountains  in  Africa  are  the  At- 
las, a  ridge  extending  from  the  Western  ocean,  (to  wliich 
it  gives  che  name  of  Atlantic  ocean)  as  far  as  Egypt.  The 
mountains  of  the  Moon,  extending  themselves  between 
Abyssinia  and  Monomopata,  and  are  still  higher  than 
those  of  Atlas.  Those  of  Sierra  Lcona,  or  mountains  of 
the  Lions,  which  divide  Nigritiafrom  Guir.ea,  and  extend 
as  far  as  Ethiopia.  These  were  styled  by  the  ancients  the 
mountains  of  God,  on  account  of  their  being  subject  to 
thunder  and  ligKfMfeg^. 

The  mos:  noted  capes  or  promontories  in  this  country 
are  Cape  Verd,  so  called  because  ihe  land  is  always  cover- 
ed  wiih  green  trees  and  mossy  grounds.  It  is  the  most 
Wijsteriy  point  of  the  continent  of  Africa.  Tlie  cape  of 
Good  Hope,  so  denominated  by  the  Portuguese",  when  they 
first  went  round  it,  in  1198,  and  discovered  the  passage 
to  Asia,  is  the  south  extremity  of  Africa,  in  the  countty  of 
the  Hottentots.  There  is.but  ofm^trait  in  Africa,  which 
is  called  Babelmandeb,  and  is  the  coTnauinication  between- 
the  Red  bea  and"^he  Indian  oceajjjSfe 

Africa  once  con|^^iiied  severM^K^orr^s  and  states,  em- 
inent for  the  liberal  arts,  for  ^|^^p)d  power,  and  the 
most  eictensive  commerce.  The  Ic^^oms  of  Egypt  and 
Ethiopia,  in  particular,  were  much  celebrated  ;  ^ind  the 
rich  and  powerful  state  of  Carthi^e,  that  once  foirM^bh 
rival  to  Rome  itself,  extended  her  commer 
of  the  then  known  world  ;  ev^'n  the 
visited  by  her  fleets,  till  .Ji'.ba,  who  wa.*- 
but  tributary  to  the  ropr.Llic  ot  Cartli 
cd  in  the  Romans,  who,  will)  Uic  a>.si« 
tanians,  subdued  Carth.ige,  and  by  dej 

E  E   'J 


342  EGYPT. 

boring  kingdoms  and  states.  After  this,  the  natives,  ccn» 
stantly  plundered,  and  consequently  impoverished, by  the 
governors  sent  from  Rome,  neglected  their  trade,  and  cul- 
tivated no  more  of  their  lands  than  might  serve  for  their 
subsistence.  Upon  the  decline  of  the  Roman  empire,  in 
the  fifth  century,  the  north  of  Africa  was  overrun  by  the 
Vandals,  who  contributed  still  more  to  the  destruction  of 
arts  and  sciences ;  and,  to  add  to  this  country's  calamity, 
the  Saracens  made  a  sudden  conquest  of  all  the  coasts  of 
Egypt  and  Barbary,  in  the  seventh  century.  These  were 
succeeded  by  the  Turks  ;  and  both  being  of  the  Mahom- 
etan religion,  whose  professors  carried  desolation  with  them 
wherever  they  came,  the  ruin  of  that  once  flourishing  part 
of  the  world  was  thereby  completed. 

The  inhabitants  of  this  continent  with  respect  to  relig- 
ion, may  be  divided  into  three  s6rts  ;  Pagans,  Mahome- 
tans, and  Christians,  The  first  have  bef?n  considered  the 
most  numerous,  possessing  the  greatest  part  of  the  coun- 
try, from  the  tropic  of  Cancer  to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
being  generally  black.  Bat  recent  discoveries  lead  us  to 
suppose  the  Mahometans  a.'-e  more  nuqaerous,  who  areof  a 
tawny  complexion,  possessing  Egypt,  and  almost  all  the 
northern  shores  of  Africa,  or  what  is  called  the  Barbary 
coast,  with  many  tribes  in  the  interior.  The  people  of 
Abyssinia  or  the  Upper  Ethiopia,  are  denominated  Cluis- 
tians,  but  retain  many  Pagan  and  Jewish  rites.  There 
are  also  some  Jews  on  the  north  of  Africa. 

There  are  scarcely  any  tvi'o  nations,  or  Indeed  any  two 
learned  men,  that  agree  in  the  modern  divisions  of  Africa  ; 
and  for  this  reason,  that  scarcely  any  traveller  has  pene- 
trated into  the  heart  of  the  country  ;  consequently,  we 
jnust  acknowledge  ^r  ignorance  of  the  bounds,  and  even 
the  names  of  several  x)f  the  inland  nations,  winch  may  be 
still  reckoned  among  the  unknown  and  undiscovered  part,£ 
«f  the  world. 


i 


^  EGYPT. 

THIS  once'  celebrated  country  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  the  Mediterranean  ;  east  by  the  Red  ica,  and  Isthmus 
»f  Suez  5  south  by  the  mcu.ntains  which  separate  it  from 


EGYPT.  34-5 

Nubia ;  west  by  the  deserts  of  Lybia.     Its  length,  from 
north  to  south,  is  500  miles  ;  its  breadth  160. 

Egypt  is  divided  into  Upper  and  Lower  ;  the  former 
extending  in  a  long  and  narrow  valley,  the  outline  being- 
formed  by  two  ridges  of  mountains,  beyond  which  on  eacii 
side,  are  sandy  deserts.  In  this  valley  rolls  the  Nik',  so 
celebrated,  that  the  natives  near  its  source  pay  to  it  di- 
vine honors.  Lower  Egypt  includes  all  the  country  be- 
tween Cairo  and  the  Mediterranean,  on  the  north  and 
south,  and  between  Lybia  and  Suez  on  the  east  and  west. 
Bounded  by  sandy  deserts,  it  contains  slips  of  land,  well 
cultivated  and  fertile,  on  the  borders  of  the  river  and  ca- 
nals ;  and  in  the  centre,  the  tract  called  the  Delta,  form- 
ed by  the  branches  of  the  Nile. 

The  climate  of  Egypt  is  excessively  hot.  The  fertility 
of  its  soil,  and  the  excellence  of  its  productions,  are  great- 
ly celebrated  by  ancient  writers. 

To  the  overflowing  of  the  Nile,  Egypt  is  indebted  for- 
ks fertility.  Its  increase,  occasioned  by  the  torrents  of 
rain  which  fall  yearly  on  the  mountains  of  Abyssinia,  is 
not  much  perceived  till  the  summer  solstice.  It  continues 
increasing  till  near  the  end  of  August,  and  often  even  in 
September.  The  Nilome.er,  at  Elephantina,  formerly  de- 
noted to  what  degree  the  inundation  would  rise.  T'he  ex- 
perience of  ages  had  afforded  marks  known  to  those  whose 
trust  it  was  to  watch. 

Among  the  cultivated  products  are  rice,  wheat,  barley, 
lentils,  millet,  flax, beans, sugar  canes, and  medicinal  plants. 
Tiie  government  is  composed  of  a  pacha,  sent  from 
Constantinople,  and  24  beys,  who  are  at  the  head  of  the  ar- 
mies, and  enjoy  all  the  power.  The  real  natives  are  the 
Copts,  who  are  the  only  descendants  from  the  ancient  E- 
gyptians.  These  are  Christians,  though  numerous  super- 
ititious  practices  are  mingled  with  their  worship.  Tho 
Arabs  constitute  two  thirds  of  the  present  inhabitants. 
There  are  a  lew  Turks,  and  some  Syrians,  Greeks  and 
Jews.     I'he  amount  of  the  v,-hole  is  about  4,000,000. 

The  splendid  and  magnificent  ruins,  found  in  Egypt, 
five  evident  p.oofs  of  the  enlightened  understanding  of  the 
ancient  inhabitants.  Tlie  pyramids  arc  reckoned  one  of 
the  greatest  wonders  of  the  world  ;  the  largest  takes  up 
slcven  acres  of  grouud,  and  io  500  feet  in  perpendicular 


344'  NUBIA,  DAR-FOOR. 

height.  Here  are  found  caverns  containing  mummies,  or 
embalmed  bodies,  which  are  found  in  coffins,  standing  up- 
right, where  it  is  supposed  thay  have  coatinued  4000  years. 
Alexandria,  on  the  Mediterranean  sea,  40  miles  west 
of  the  Nile,  was  once  the  emporium  of  all  the  world. 
RosETTA,  25  miles  west  of  Alexandria,  is  a  place  of  great 
trade.  Cairo,  the  present  capital  of  Egypt,  is  a  large  and 
populous,  but  a  disagreeable  place  on  account  of  its  pes- 
tilential air  and  narrow  streets.  The  other  towns  of  note 
in  Egypt,  are  Damietta,  supposed  to  be  the  ancient  Pelu- 
slum  ;  Sayd,  the  ancient  Thebes  j  and  Suez,  a  seaport 
on  the  Red  Sea. 


NUBIA. 

TO  the  south  of  Egypt  lies  the  kingdom  of  Nub'a,  or 
Senacr.  The  Nile  runs  through  it ;  on  the  banks  of  the 
river  it  is  fruitful,  but  in  other  places  barren,  sandy,  and 
destitute  of  water.  The  inhabicants  make  their  bread  and 
drink  of  a  small  seed,  called  doca,  or  seif,  which  is  very 
ill  tasted.  Their  houses  have  mud  walls,  are  very  low, 
and  are  covered  with  leeds.  The  dress  of  the  better  sort 
is  a  vest  without  sleeves,  and  they  have  no  coverings  for 
their  heads,  legs  and  feet.  The  common  people  wrap  a 
piece  of  linen  cloth  about  them,  and  the  children  go  quite 
naked.  They  are  a  stupid,  debauched  people,  professing 
to  be  Mahometans.  The  productions  of  the  country  are 
gold,  elephant's  teeth,  civel,  and  sandal  wood  ;  and  a  great 
many  slaves  are  sent  into  Egypt.  The  principal  towns, 
known  to  the  Europeans,  are  Dangola  and  Senna. 

DAR-FOOR 

IS  a  kingdom  of  Africa,  whose  population  is  supposed 
to  be  200,000  souls.  The  territory  is  extensive  and  woody. 
In  the  dry  season,  nothing  but  barrenness  is  visible  ;  in 
the  rainy,  the  country  is  covered  with  vegetation.  The 
inhabitants  are  Mahometans.  It  lies  southeast  of  Bergoo, 
and  west  of  Kordofan. 


ABYSSINIA,  EASTERN  COAST.  S45 


ABYSSINIA. 

THIS  kingdom  lies  south  of  Sena:ir  and  Dar-Foor,  300 
leagues  long  and  280  broad.  The  surface  of  the  country 
is  generally  rugged  and  mountainous,  abounding  in  for- 
ests and  morasses.  It  is  also  interspersed  with  some  fer- 
tile valleys  and  plains.  Besides  the  Nile,  which  has  its 
source  in  this  country,  there  are  some  ether  large  rivers. 
Ti;e  principal  collection  of  water  is  the  lake  er  sea  of 
D^'nibea. 

The  climate  of  Abyssinia  is  tolerable.  The  rainy  sea- 
son begins  In  May  and  lasts  tili  September.  The  inhabit- 
ants, 1,800,000  in  number,  are  Christians,  Mahom.etans, 
Jews  and  Pagans.  The  professed  religion  of  the  country- 
is  C/iristianicy  ;  but  it  is  mixed  v»-{th  many  Pagan  and 
Jewish  ceremonies.  Their  houses  are  very  mean.  The 
crown  is  hereditary.  '1  he  capital  punishments  are  cruci- 
fixion, fl.iying  alive,  stoning,  and  plucking  out  the  eyes. 

EASTERN  COAST. 

THE  eastern  coast  of  Africa,  from  the  entrance  of  the 
Red  sea  to  the  Cape  ot  Good  Hope,  is  but  little  known. 
It  is  pos-iCssed  by  numerous  tribes,  forming  states  and 
kingdoms  indej:'endent  of  each  other. 

'Phe  coast  of  Ajan  extends  l.'3(]0  leagues  along  t!:e  In- 
dian ocean,  and  is  divided  into  several  states  or  kingdonif, 
tiie  nrincipal  of  which  are  Adel  and  Magadoxo.  '1  he 
country  is  i'ertile,  producing  plenty  of  provisions.  It  car- 
ries on  a  prontabie  commeice  of  provisions  and  horses, 
which  are  exchanged  with  foreign  merchants  for  silks,  cot- 
tons, and  other  cloths.     The  inhabitants  arc  Mahometans. 

Zanguehar  lies  between  "  degrees  north  and  18  south 
latitude.  It  includes  several  petty  kingdoms,  in  which 
the  Portuguese  have  settlements.  The  inhabitants,  except 
tliose  converted  by  the  Portuguese,  are  either  Mahome- 
tans or  Pagans,  the  latter  m.uch  the  most  numerous.  'Phe 
principal  states  are  Momba/.a,  Lamo,  Melinda,  Quiola, 
Mosambique  and  Sofala.    The  Portuguese  trade  for  slaves, 


346  SOUTHERN  AND  WESTERN  COASTS. 

ivory,  gold,  ostrich  feathers,  wax,  and  drugs.  The  pro= 
ductions  are  much  the  san-.e  as  in  other  parts  of  Africa, 
between  the  tropics. 


SOUTHERN   PARTS. 

THE  country  of  tlie  Hottentots  covers  the  southern 
point  of  Africa  ;  bounded  north  by  countries  unknown  ; 
southeast,  south  and  west  by  the  sea.  The  coast  is  moun- 
tainous, indented  by  bays.  There  are  no  considerable 
kingdoms  throughout  this  exi-jnsive  country  ;  the  whole 
is  inhabited  by  different  tribes  of  Hottentots,  governed  by 
chiefs,  who  have  no  fixed  residence,  hving  Hlie  the  Arabs 
in  huls  or  portable  houses,  and  rernoving  their  villages 
whenever  the  pasture  becomes  too  bare  for  the  subsistence 
of  their  cattle. 

At  the  souchetn  point  of  the  continent,  is  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  containing  a  town,  in  which  are  about  5500 
whites,  and  10,000  b'n.cks.  Ir,  was  settled  by  the  Portu- 
guese and  D:uch,  but  was  taken  by  the  English  in  I8OG5 
and  stiil  remains  in  their  possession. 


WESTERN  COAST. 

CONGO  is  a  general  name  for  the  country  between  the 
equiuoxiai  line  and  18  degrees  south  latitude,  containing 
the  kingdoms  of  Congo  proper,  Loango,  Angola,  and 
Bengutla.  It  was  discovered  by  the  Portuguese,  in  1481. 
It  is  sometimes  cidled  Lov/er  Guinea.  The  Portugucie 
have  a  great  many  settlements  on  the  coast,  as  v.cil  as  in 
llie  inland  couiitry.  Thcie  are  many  desert  places  wi.hin 
land,  in  which  are  elephants,  tigers,  leopards,  monkeys, and 
monstrous  serpents  ;  but  near  the  coast,  the  soil  isexcecd- 
int^ly  fertile  ;  and  there  are  fruiis  of  many  kinds,  besides 
pr.ra  trees,  from  which  the  inhabitants  get  wine  and  oil. 
They  are  skilful  in  weaving  cotton  cloth.  Their  articles 
of  tralhc  are  slaves,  cassia,  ivory,  and  tamarinds.  The 
greater  part  of  them  go  almost  naked.  They  worship  the 
suo;  n,oon,  and  stars,  and  also  animals  of  different  kinds  ; 
but  thf  Portuguese  have  made  many  converts  to  Christian-^ 


STATES  OF  BARBA6.Y.     MOROCCO.      34? 

•ty.  Congo,  properly  so  called,  is  only  150  miles  broad, 
along  the  coast,  but  is  872  Inland.  From  March  to  Sep- 
tembei  is  the  winter  season,  when  it  rains  almost  every- 
day ;  and  the  summer  is  from  October  to  March,  when 
the  weather  is  very  hot.  The  river  Zaire  is  full  of  croco- 
diles and  river  horics  The  principal  town  is  St.  Salvador. 
Upper-Guinea,  so  called  to  distinguish  it  from  Congo, 
is  divided  into  three  parts  j  the  Grain  coast,  Guinea  prop- 
er, and  Benin,  and  extends  about  500  leagues  along  the 
coast.  The  Grain  coabt  produces  rice,  peas,  beans,  lem- 
ons, indigo,  and  cc^lton.  The  Europeans  have  no  settle- 
ments here      The  principal  traffic  is  in  slaves. 

The  Gold  Coast  is  so  named  from  the  immense  quan- 
tities of  gold  it  produces.  The  climate  is  very  hot.  Eu- 
ropeans kave  a  few  settlements  here.  The  soil  is  very  fer- 
tile. The  inhabitants  are  rich,  and  live  in  gre^t  harmony. 
The  I\oRY  Cox\sr  lies  beiwern  Cape  .- ppoilonia  and 
Cape  Palm.i^,  containing  several  towns,  bituared  at  the 
mouths  of  livers  ca Jed  by  the  same  n;nnes  The  interior 
country  is  little  known,  'he  natives  refusing  the  Europeans 
leave  lo  settle,  or  even  to  trade  among  them,  excepi  by 
n:eans  of  the  coast  negroes,  a;:d  this  with  caution.  The 
chief  commodities  are  g^ki,  ivory.  ;:;■..■'  sir.ves.  The  inhab- 
itants of  this  district  have  been  more  careful  to  defend 
themselves  against  the  assaults  vi  the  siave  ships,  than  most 
of  their  countrymen.  Suspicion  and  jealousy  are  their 
predominant  qualities. 


STATES  OF  B  UiBARY. 

BARBARY  is  an  extensi\e  country,  stretching  1200 
miles  along  the  Meditcrrancin,  and  between  SCO  and  -iOO 
inland.  It  is  divided  into  5  kingdoms,  Morocco,  Fez, 
Algiers,  Tunis,  and  Tripoli. 


MOl^OCCO. 

THE  empin;  ci  Morocco  comprelic-htls  ?.  considerable 
part  fi  the  an^.i.ht  Mauiitania,  lyin.'j;  i>el\veen  '28  rv.'  :■()'•' 
north  iatituUe  ;    buui:ued  west  by    the  Ali.intic  ;    ■  oi   >y 


34.8  MOROCCO. 

the  river  Mulvia,  which  separates  it  from  Algiers  ;  north 
by  the  straits  of  Gibraltar ;  soyth  by  Mount  Atlas.  Its 
greatest  length  from  northeast  to  southwest,  is  above  590 
miles,  and  where  widest,  not  more  than  260  broad. 

The  air  is  temperate,  especially  near  Mount  Atlas  ; 
the  soil  sandy  and  dry  in  some  places,  and  fertile  in  others. 

The  number  of  inhabitants  is  estimated  at  5,000,000. 
Their  religion  is  Mahometanism.  They  are  robust,  and 
skilful  in  managing  a  horse,  and  wielding  a  lance^.;  but 
jealous,  deceitful,  superstitious,  and  cruel. 

There  are  many  Christian  slaves  and  some  merchants 
on  the  coast,  beside  a  multitude  of  Jews,  who  carry  en  al- 
most all  the  trade  ;  especially  by  land,  with  the  negroes, 
to  whom  they  send  large  caravans,  which  carry  with  ihem 
woollen  goods,  silk,  salt,  &c.  and  in  return  have  slaves, 
gold,  and  elephant's  teeth. 

In  the  deserts  are  lions,  tigers,  leopards,  and  serpents 
of  several  kinds.  The  fruits  are  dates,  Hgs,  almonds,  lem- 
ons, oranges,  and  pomegranates  They  have  also  flax  and 
hemp,  but  little  timber. 

The  emperor  is  absolute  ;  he  often  exercises  great  cru- 
elties. His  naval  force  consists  chiefly  of  rovers,  who 
sometimes  take  large  prizes  He  can  bring  100,000  men 
into  the  field,  half  of  vihich  are  foot,  and  half  horse  ;  but 
they  are  poorly  armed,  and  know  little  of  the  a-t  of  war. 

Morocco,  the  capital,  is  in  a  beautiful  valley,  formed 
by  a  chain  of  mountains  north,  and  those  of  the  Atlas 
south  and  east.  The  city,  exposed  to  the  devasiations  of 
different  conquerors,  has  preserved  nothing  but  its  form. 
The  ex'.ent  ot  the  walls,  which  remain  almost  entire,  sup- 
poses a  city  that  mi^ht  contain  £00  000  souls:  at  present, 
it  is  little  better  than  a  desert.  The  ruins  of  houses  seive 
only  to  harbor  thieves,  who  lurk  there  to  rob  pasi^engers. 
The  emperor's  palace,  at  the  extremity  of  the  city,  Iront- 
ing  Mount  Alias,  is  a  very  extensive  'and  solid  building. 
The  principal  gates  are  Gothic  arcles,  of  cut  stone,  enjbel- 
lisheci  with  u;  -^niOnts  in  tlie  Arabian  taste.  Within  the 
walls  are  varjr.u:-  courts  and  gardens,  elegantly  laid  out 
by  European  ;,',.•■; deners. 

The  kingd>.'-.  .'f  Fuz  is  united  to  tlieenj^'-e  of  Moroc* 
CO.  Its  capita  >  '^f  tlic  same  nmuc,  is  considered  by  the 
Moors  as  a  sacred  a.sylum,   and    an  object  of  devotion. 


ALGIERS.  349 

This  city,  %vhich  in  past  ages  attracted  the  attention  of 
travellers,  is  not  preferable  to  the  other  cities  of  the  em- 
pire, except  by  its  situation,  schools,  industry,  and  some- 
what more  by  its  urbanity.     It  has  80,000  inhabitants. 


ALGIERS. 

Tke  kingdom  of  Algiers  comprehends  part  of  the  an- 
cient Mauritania,  Avhich  included  the  ancient  Numidia, 
and  forms  one  of  the  most  considerable  districts  of  the 
coast  of  Barbary.  It  is  bounded  north  by  the  Mediterra- 
nean, east  by  the  river  Zane,  Avhich  divides  it  from  Tunis  ; 
west  by  the  Maillooiah,  and  the  mountains  of  Trara,  which 
separate  it  from  Morocco,  south  by  the  Sajiara,  or  is'umid- 
ian  desert.  The  superficial  extent  of  the  whole  king^Iom 
amounts,  according  to  the  calculation  of  M.  \  on  Zach,  to 
4262  geographical  square  miles,  and  contams  1,500,.'  00 
inhabitariis. 

The  teiriiory  of  Algiers  is  principally  distinguished  by- 
its  capital.  Haifa  mile  northeast  of  the  city  commences 
the  plain  of  Mettijiah,  v/hich  stretches  50  miles  in  length 
and  20  in  In-eadth,  as  far  as  the  brarrch  of  Mount  Atlas,  at 
the  foot  of  which  lies  the  town  of  Belida.  This  plain  is  bet- 
ter cultivated  than  the  other  districts  of  the  kingdom.  The 
country  seats  and  mascharcas,  as  they  call  the  farms  of  the 
principal  inhabitants  of  Algiers,  are  found  in  these  plains  ; 
and  it  is  chiefly  from  them  that  the  metropolis  is  supplied 
with  provisions.  The  strength  of  the  kingdom  consists  iii 
its  land  and  sea  forces.  Its  strong  cities  arc  few,  and  it  has 
fewer  garrisons,  which  are  weakly  fortified  and  guarded. 

The  naval  force  of  Algiers  is  more  foi-midable  than  its 
army.  It  consists  of  20  ships  ;  one  of  v/hich  belongs  to 
':hc  government,  and  is  assigned  to  the  admiral :  all  the 
rest  belong  to  private  persons.  The  conmiercc  of  Algiers 
is  principally  carried  on  by  their  corsairs  or  pirates.  Free 
Christians,  Jews,  native  or  foreign,  Arabians  and  Moors, 
ue  permitted  to  exercise  a  free  commerce,  both  \ry  sea 
:ind  land,  together  with  other  trades  and  manufactures  in 
silk,  cotton,  wool,  leather,  and  other  commodities. 

The  religion  of  the  Aigerincs  differs  from  that  of  tlie 
Turks  only  in  their  adopting  a  greater  variety  of  supcrsti- 
F   F 


350  TUNIS. 

tions.  They  acknowledge  ilie  Koran  as  the  rule  of  their 
faith  and  practice,  but  are  remiss  in  the  observance  of  it. 
The  population  of  Algiers  is  less  than  in  other  countries 
of  the  same  extent,  where  arts,  sciences,  and  industry  are 
not  so  much  restrained.  The  number  of  Turks  here  is 
about  9  or  10,000.  Beside  these  are  the  Moors,  a  degrad- 
ed people  ;  and  the  Arabian  tribes,  who,  without  blending 
with  the  Moors,  or  most  ancient  possessors  of  the  country, 
have  uniformly  maintained  their  separation  from  others, 
paitly  in  a  state  of  independence,  and  partly  as  tributaries 
to  the  Dey. 

Algiers,  the  capital  of  the  kingdom,  is  built  on  the  de- 
clivity of  a  mountain,  and  is  in  the  form  oi  an  amphithea- 
tre, next  the  harbor.  The  houses,  apparently  rising  one 
above  another,  make  a  very  fine  appearance  from  the  sea. 
The  tops  are  all  flat ;  and  the  inhabitants  walk  upon  them 
in  the  evening  to  take  the  air  ;  besides,  they  are  covered 
M'ith  earth,  and  serve  for  gardens.  The  streets  are  nar- 
low  and  serve  to  keep  off  the  extreme  heat  of  the  sun. 
The  mole  of  the  liarbor  is  500  paces  in  length,  extending 
from  the  continent  to  a  small  island,  where  there  is  a  large 
battery  of  guns.  The  town  is  said  by  some  to  contain 
about  150,000  inhabitants;  others  say,  100,000  Mahome- 
tans, 15,000  Jews,  and  2000  Christian  slaves  ;  others  re- 
duce the  number  of  all  to  80,000.  Their  chief  subsistence 
is  derived  from  their  piracies  ;  for  they  make  prizes  of  the 
ships  of  all  Christian  nations,  that  are  not  at  peace  with 
them. 


TUNIS. 

THE  kingdom  of  Tunis  is  bounded  north  by  the  Medi- 
terranean, cast  by  that  sea  and  Tripoli,  south  and  south- 
west by  Biledulgerid,  west  by  Algiers.  It  extends  300 
miles  from  east  to  vest,  and  250  from  north  to  south. 

The  air  in  general  is  healthy,  but  the  soil  in  the  east 
part  but  indifferent,  for  want  of  water.  Toward  the  mid- 
dle, the  mountains  and  valleys  abound  in  fruits,  but  the 
west  part  is  the  most  fertile,  being  watered  by  rivers.  The 
environs  of  Tunis  are  very  dry,  on  which  account  corn  is 
generally  dear.  The  inroads  of  the  Arabs  oblige  the  in- 
habitants to  sow  their  barley  and  rye  in  the  sul)urbs,  and 


TRIPOLI.  S5l 

to  enclose  their  gardens  with  walls.  There  are  plcrity  of 
citrons,  lemons,  oranges,  tiatcs,  grapes,  and  other  f;  iiits. 
There  are  also  olive  trees,  roses,  and  odoriferous  plants. 
In  the  woods  and  mountains  are  lions,  wild  beeves,  os- 
triches, rnonki ys,  camciii^ns,  roebucks,  hares,  pheasants, 
par'.ril  i;t:s,  and  ot'ncr  sorts  of  uirds  and  beasts. 

The  lorm  ot  governniciit  is  aristocratic  ;  that  is,  by  a 
council,  whose  president  is  the  dey,  an  oiliccr  not  uidike 
the  doi^e  ot  Venice.  Ti^e  meml)ers  of  this  divan,  or  coun-' 
cil,  arc  chosen  by  t!ie  dcy,  and  he  in  hia  turn  is  elected  1)/ 
the  div.in,  wldch  is  composed  of  soldiers,  who  have  more 
than  once  taken  ofT  the  dey's  head. 

Tunis  has  1,000,000  inhabitants,  who  carry  on  a  p;reat 
trade  in  Unen  and  woollen  cloth.     In   the   city  of  Tunis, 
.done,  are  about  3000  clothiers  and  weavers.     I'hey  havo 
also  a  trade  in  horses,  olives,  oils,  soap,  ostriches'   eggsj..- 
and  feathers. 

The  established  religion  is  Mahometanisiti,  and  the  in- 
liabitants  consist  of  Moors,  Turks,  Arabs,  Jews,  and  Chris- 
tian slaves. 

Tuxis,  the  capital,  is  on  the  point  of  the  gulf  of  Golet- 
ta,  about  ten  miles  from  the  site  of  the  famous  city  of- 
Carthage.  It  is  four  mile  .  in  circumference.  The  Tu- 
nisians are  tlie  most  civilized  nation  of  Barbary,  with  little 
'>f  the  insolent  hau,.;htiness  of  the  Algerines  ;  aft\iirs  of 
government  are  transacted  with  despatch  ;  the  Americans, 
English,  French,  Dutch,  and  severnil  other  slates,  having 
consuls  here,  who  are  treated  with  civility  and  respect. 
The  Mahometans  licre  liave  9  colleges  fror  students,  beside 
a  great  number  of  smaller  school'.;.  Tunis  is  a  place  of 
great  trade. 


TRIPOLI. 

TRIPOLI  is  bounded  north  by  the  Mediterranean, 
cast  by  the  desert  of  Barca,  south  by  Fczzan,  west  by 
Biledulgeridand  'I'unis.  It  is  a  fertile  country,  except  the 
east  part,  which  is  a  desert.  It  is  925  miles  along  the 
coast ;  the  breadth  is  various.  It  had  the  title  of  a  king- 
don),  but  is  now  a  republic,  governed  by  a  dey,  elected  by 
*he  soldiers. 

Tripoli,  which  contains  1,000,000  iuhabitants,  is  distir,- 


352  TRIPOLI. 

squished  into  Marhime  and  Inland  ;  the  inhabitants  of  tiie 
former  chielly  subsist  upon  commerGe  and  piracy  ;  the 
latter  on  plunder  and  robbery.  Each  division  has  some 
cities,  towns,  and  villages,  most  of  which  are  very  poor, 
and  tliinly  irihubitcd.  These  people  are  reduced  to  the 
lowest  degree  of  misery  and  wretchedness,  through  the 
cruel  exactions  of  the  government,  or  the  Ircqaent  depre- 
tlations  of  the  Arabs. 

The  governn-.er.i,  religion,  laws,  and  customs  of  this 
liingdcia  are  the  same  wiih  those  of  Algiers  and  'funis, 
Tiie  revenues  arise  chieily  from  their  corsairs,  which  sel- 
dom exceed  seven  or  eight,  and  of  these  only  one  can 
properly  be  sryled  a  ship  ;  the  rest  are  small  guUeyii,  poor- 
jy  manned  ar.d  equipped. 

Their  commerce  chiefly  consists  in  slaves,  either  such 
as  are  taken  by  their  corsairs,  or  such  as  they  traffic  for 
with  their  neighbors  ;  th.e  greatest  part  of  both  they  send 
jnto  Turkey,  where  they  can  dispose  of  them  to  the  best 
advantage. 

One  circumstance  in  the  conduct  of  this  regency,  de- 
serves notice  ;  they  are  more  scrupulous  observers  of 
their  treaties  with  ether  nations  than  any  of  their  neigh- 
bors ;  which  punctuality,  whether  it  proceeds  from  real 
probity,  or  a  consciousness  of  their  own  weakness,  is  nev- 
eriheiess  of  no  small  ad  vantage  to  navigation  and  commerce. 

Tripoli,  the  capital,  retains  but  few  traces  of  its  aixic'nc 
splendor  ;  the  ho'Jsss  are  low -and  mean,  and  the  streets 
narrow,  dirty,  and  irregular  :  there  are,  however,  aomc 
monuments  still  standing,  which  evince  its  former  mag- 
nificence ;  particularly  a  triumphal  arch,  one  h.aif  of 
■which  now  lies  buried  in  the  sand. 

The  counti'y  around  is  adorned  with  a  multiplicity  of 
handsome  villas,  cultivated  chiefly  by  Christian  slaves. 

BARCA,  the  ancient  Lybia,  lies  between  Tripoli  and 
Egypt,  and  is  governed  by  a  sangiac,  dependent  on  the 
bashaw  of  Tripoli.  The  climate  is  vc:  y  unequal  ;  along 
the  coasts  the  land  is  fertile  and  well  peopled,  but  the  in- 
terior is  sterile  and  desert.  Thrcugli  this  dreary,  and  in- 
hospitable region,  so  fatal  to  Cambyses  and  his  followers^ 
our  gallant  countryman,  General  Eaton,  during  the  late 
hostilities  with  Tripoli,  led  a  small,  but  intrepid  band  of 
■.roops  10  tlie  attack  of  Derne.     They  lefi  Egypt  in  t.b5 


AFRICAN  ISLANDS.  3.53 

beginning  of  April,  1805,  crossed  the  desert  of  Bavca, 
and  after  encountcnii;^  excessive  hardships  and  fatigue, 
arrived  beiore  Derne,  on  the  frontiers  of  Tripoli,  which 
they  took  by  storm  on  the  2rih  of  the  same  month  ;, at- 
tacked r  nd  pvit  to  route  the  army  of  the  Bashaw,  sent  to 
oppose  their  progress  ;  and  contributed  most  eflfeciually 
to  compel  that  insolent  power  to  enter  into  an  immediate 
treaty  of  peace  with  the  United  States  ;  by  which  a  great 
number  of  A.ncricans,  then  prisoiiers  at  Tripoli,  were  re- 
stored to  freedom  and  their  country. 

Here  was  the  temple  of  Jupiter  Ammon,  so  difficult  o!:"- 
acccss  on  account  of  t!ic  burning  sands. 


AFRICAN  ISLANDS. 


AT  the  mouih  of  the  Red  sea  lies  the  island  of  Zocc- 
tra,  belonging  to  the  Arabs.  It  is  a  }>>pulous  and  plenti- 
ful country,  and  particularly  noted  for  aloes. 

MADAGAScAiiisscparaied  from  the  continent  by  a  chan- 
nel, calicu  the  channel  of  Mosambique.  Tiiis  island  is  800 
miles  lon;^,  150  broad,  divided  into  28  provinces,  and  wa- 
tered by  some  considerable  rivers;  lis  population  is  esti- 
mated at  4,000,000,  wb.o  are  Arabs  and  negroes, 

Tiie  country  produces  oxen,slieep,  goats,  and  cotton  in 
abundance.  Euony,  gum  gutiae,  cucumbers,  peas,  beans, 
barley,  rice,  and  citrons,  are  plenty.  Cai'ilaujan  plants, 
b.iiiaua,  and  orange  trees  flourish.  Rock  crystals,  copper, 
silver,  gold,  ii'on,  and  precious  stones  are  fjuml  here.  A 
great  variety  of  ornamental  plants,  of  fruii  ;.rees,  antl  val- 
uable timber,  trow  on  this  ibland. 

PoiiTo  .Sa^"  jo,  is  a  small  island,  about  20  miles  in  com- 
pass, in  lat.  52  5j  N.  anj  125  leagues  W.  of  cope  Blan- 
co ;  discovered  and  possessed  by  tl.e  Pi;riugiicse.  It  has 
one  good  harljor,  safe  from  ail  winds  but  the  S.  W. 
Here  tlic^India  ships  usually  stop  to  refit,  boih  g(jing  ar.d 
returnin;.;.  The  island  is  iniuibiiud  by  Pcrlugiu^c,  is  very 
rlchj  and  produces  wheat  and  ui  :■.■;'..'. '•.'.■•.!,■,  v,  ill  boars. 


S54  AFRICAN  ISLANDS. 

and  rabbits.     Dragon's  blood,  honey,  wax,  and  I'lsh,  are-' 
exported. 

Madeira.  The  form  of  Madeira  is  a  triangle,  150 
miles  in  circuit,  lying  in  lal.  32  30  N.  and  Ion.  16  50  W. 
120  leagues  W.  of  cape  Cantin.  It  is  divided  into  2 
provinces.  The  Portuguese  discovered  it  in  1431.  The. 
population  is  said  to  air.ount  to  70,000.  The  forces  are 
150  infantry,  and  2000  militia,  i'^z^nc/ia/,  the  capital,  is 
in  a  valley,  on  the  S.  coast.  The  harbor  is  deitndcd  by 
several  batteries,  and  a  castle.  The  town  is  divided  into 
6  paiishes,  and  contains  6  convents,  as  many  churches, 
and  about  15,000  inhabitants,  consisting  of  Portuguese,. 
French,  English,  Irish,  mulattoes,  and  blacks.  The  prin- 
cipal merchants  are  English  and  Irish  catholics,  though 
the  island  belongs  to  Portugal.  The  climate  is  agreeable, 
and  the  soil  very  fertile.  The  chief  exports  are  Madeira 
wine,  20,000  hogsheads,  and  sweet  meats.  Every  species 
of  tropical  fruit  grows  to  perfection. 

The  Canaries,  belonging  to  the  Spaniards,  are  famous 
for  Canary  wine.  The  ancients  called  them  the  Furluurae 
Isles.  They  are  10  or  12  m  number  ;  the  cliiefare  Great 
Canary,  Teneriffe,  Gomera  and  Ferro.  Tencriffe  is  much 
encumbered  with  mountains.  The  peak  is  an  ascent  in 
the  form  of  a  sugar  loaf,  15  miles  in  circumference,  and 
13.265  feet  high.     It  is  a  volcano. 

The  climate  is  temperate  and  mild.  The  soil  is  gen- 
erally fertile.  The  articles  of  culture  are  the  vine,  sugar- 
cane, cotton,  .vheat,  barley,  and  rice.  All  the  islands  are 
%vell  supplietl  with  cattle. 

Cape  Verd  Islvnds.  These  are  a  cluster  of  islands, 
ISO  leagues  W.  of  Cape  Verd,  between  lat.  16  and  18  N. 
The  principal  r.re  St.  Anthony,  St.  Vincent,  St.  Nich- 
olas, Bonavista,  and  St.  Jago.  They  have  long  belonj,cd 
10  the  Portuguese.  The  inhabitants  of  all  are  said  to 
•mount  to  100,000,  By  long  residence,  '\nd  by  intcr- 
mixtiu'e,  they  have  become  nearly  of  the  negro  complex- 
ion and  features.  The  manufactures  of  leather  and  salt 
foim  the  principal  riches.  The  soil  is  indifferent.  Trop- 
ical fruits  abouiid. 

GoREE.  This  is  a  little  island,  two  miles  in  circuit, 
«.]osc  to  tl:e  coast;  S.  of  Cape  Verd.     The  Dutch  planted 


AFRICAN  ISLANDS.  S55 

kin  I6ir.     The  French  drove  ihcin  out  in    1677,  ancj 
were  lately  driven  out  by  tlie  English. 

FiiRNAND(j  To  is  a!)out  30  leagues  in  circuit,  in  J^t. 
3  20,  N.  and  Ion.  10  45  E-  near  the  coast  of  Benin.  It 
belongs  to  Spain,  is  liigh,  has  a  fertile  soil,  and  produces 
niaiiioc,  siig&r,  rice,  fruits,  and  tobacco. 

Pkinck's  Island  lies  directly  S.  of  the  former,  in  lat. 
1  31  N.  '■20  leagues  hi  circuit.  The  town  on  the  N.  coast 
has  a  good  haibor,  and  contains  200  houses.  The  soil 
is  good,  and  the  produce  like  that  of  Fernando  Po.  It 
belongs  to  Sjjain, 

S  r.  I'ho.mas  is  about  20  leagues  in  circuit,  and  lies  a 
little  W.  of  S.  fi'om  Prince's  Island,  directly  under  the 
equator,  and  aljout  50  leagues  N.  W.  by  W.  from  cape 
Lopez.  It  was  discovered  and  settled  by  the  Portuguese, 
in  1460,  and  made  a  sort  of  Botany  Bay  for  the  heroes  of 
the  Lisbon  Old  Bailey.  These  are  now  amalgamated 
■with  the  negroes, 

AxxABON  is  a  high,  mountainous,  and  fertile  island, 
about  6  leagues  in  circuit,  in  latitude  1°  45'  south.,  80 
leagues  from  cape  Lopez.  It  was  settled  by  the  Portu- 
guese, and  is  said  now  to  belong  to  Spain. 

St.  Matthew.  The  Portuguese  discovered  it  in  1516, 
and  soon  after  settled  it.     It  lies  in  lat.  1  45  S. 

Ascension.  Lat.7  56  SOS.lon.  14  22  31  W.  is  lOmiles 
long  and  5  or  6  broad.  It  is  barren  and  desoiate,  but  a- 
bounds  with  turtle. 

St.  Helena  is  a  beautiful  island,  20  miles  in  circum- 
ference, belonging  to  the  Englisli  I'2ast  India  Company. 
It  has  some  higii  mountains,  particularly  one  called  Di- 
nna's  Peak,  which  is  covered  with  wood  to  t!ie  very  top. 
The  number  of  inhabita.its  docs  not  exceed  2000,  includ- 
ing near  otO  soldiers  and  600  slaves,  who  are  supplied 
with  aii  soils  oi  manufactures  by  the  company's  ships  in 
return  iur  it  fre^liments.  It  lies  between  the  continents  of 
Afiica  ;.nd  Suuth-America,  about  1200  miles  west  of  the 
forniti',  aiKl  1800  east  of  the  latter.  Ion.  5  49  west,  lat.  15 
5j  si-mn. 

BoLHHON  is  60  miles  long,  and  40  broad,  370  miles  E. 
from  Madagascai-.  The  island  is  difficult  of  access.  Si. 
Ucnis  is  the  principal  port.  It  has  lately  been  taken  by 
il.c   LnL'lish,      Its  firsi  inhabitants  were  pirates,  who 


356  AFRICAN  ISLANDS. 

planted  themiielves  here  in  1657.  The  island  has  now, 
according  to  St.  Pierre,  60,000  blacks,  and  5000  otlier  in- 
habitants ;  Ion.  55  30  E.  lat.  20  52  S. 

Mauritius,  150  miles  in  circumference,  lies  E.  N".  E, 
of  Bourbon,  and  400  miles  E.  of  Madagascar,  was  discov- 
ered and  settled  by  the  Dutch,  in  1598,  and  relinquished 
in  1710.  The  French  took  possession  soon  after,  and  re- 
tahied  it  till  1810,  when  it  was  taken  by  the  English, 
The  climate   is   healthy  ;  but  the    soil  not  very  fertile. 

There  are  many  mountains,  some  of  which  are  so  high, 
that  their  tops  are  covered  with  snow  :  They  produce  the 
best  ebony  in  the  world.  The  valleys  arc  well  watered 
with  rivers,  and  are  made  very  productive  of  cuhivalion, 
of  which  indigo  is  the  principal  object.  The  town  and 
harbor  are  called  Port  Louis,  and  are  strongly  forlified  ; 
but  in  tliC  huiricane  months,  the  harbor  cannot  afford 
shelter  for  more  than  8  vessels.  . 

Tne  number  of  inhabitants  on  the  island  exclusive  of 
the  military,  is  8000  whites,  and  12,000  blacks. 

CoMORA  Islands,  a  cluster  of  islands  in  the  Lidian 
ocean,  bciwetjn  the  coast  of  Zangucbar  :lnd  the  N.  part 
of  the  island  of  Madagascar.  They  are  4  in  number; 
viz.  Johanna,  Mayotla,  Mohilla,  and  Comora,  which  last 
is  6  Icayucs  long  ar^cl  3  wide,  and  gives  its  name  to  the 
group.  It  has  no  safe  harbors,  its  high  mountains  are 
richly  cove;  ed  v.itli  verdure  and  fruit  trees,  and  give  rise 
to  numerous  fcrtilizini^  streams,  on  which  are  many  beau- 
tiful cascades.  Tiic  valleys  between  tlie  mountains  are 
extensive,  and  in  richness  and  beauty  aie  exceeded  by 
none  in  the  world.  U'liese  islands  produce  rice,  peas, 
yams,  Indian  corn,  pi;rs!air,,  cocoa  nuts,  plantains,  or- 
anges, lemons,  citrons,  limes,  pine  apples,  cucumbers, 
tamarinds,  sugar  canes  and  honey. 

The  AzoiiES,or  WEsrKaN-  IsLiis,  lie  abon.it  midway  be- 
tween the  two  coniir;ents,  in  uboui,  37  degrees  north  lati- 
tude. They  are  nine  in  number,  Terccra,  St-  Michael, 
F'ayal,  Gratiosa,  St.  George,  Pico,  Corvo,  Floies,  and 
St.  Muloes,  fertile  in  corn;  and  wine,  and  a  variety  of  iruits. 
The  climate  is  reniarkably  salubrious.  It  is  said  that,  no 
poisonous  or  noxious  animal  can  live  oi.  ihe  Azorcc. 


SOUTH  SEA  ISLES.  357 


ISLANDS   OF   THE    PACIFIC  OCEAN, 

THE  islands  of  ihe  Pacific  oc;an  have  been  classed  by 
borac  geographers  into  iwo  divisions,  to  which  they  have 
f^iven  the  names  of  AusTiiAL  Asia  and  Polynesia.  In 
tlie  nrbt  division  arc  compiehcnded 

Nevv-lloiiand  Ncw-Caledonia 

Papau,  or  New-Guiuca       New-Hebrides 

New-Britain  New-Zealand 

New-Ire  land  Van  Dieman's  Land. 

New-Holland  was  discovered  in  the  beginning  of  tVie 
seventeenth  centm  y,  and  was  supposed  to  be  part  of  a  vast 
southern  continent.  It  lies  between  11  and  43  degrees 
south  iatitvidc,  and  is  nearly  equal  in  extent  lo  the  habita- 
ble part  (jf  Europe.  The  inhabitants,  according  to  Die- 
man,  are  the  irio^t  miserable  people  in  the  world,  without 
houses  or  clothes.  They  are  black,  tall,  thin,  straight 
bodied,  with  siv.all.linibs,  large  heads,  and  heavy  brows  .• 
the  two  fore  teetii  of  their  upper  jaws  are  wanting  in  ali 
of  them,  men  and  women,  old  and  young  ;  ueiilicr  have 
they  any  beards.  They  are  long  visaged,  and  of  a  very 
unpleasant  aspect,  liaving  not  one  graceful  feature  iii  tb^\i\ 
faces,  in  the  WftV  \'^iCi,  the  east  coast  w^as  visited  and 
explored  by  captain  Cook,  who  spent  four  months  in  ex- 
auiining  a  distaucf^  of  2000  miles.  He  took  possession  of 
this  eastern  coast  in  the  name  of  tiie  king  of  Great  Brit- 
ain, and  gave  it  the  name  of  New  South  Wales.  In  the 
year  1773,   Capt.  Furneaux  discovered  it  to  be  an  island, 

New-Guinea  lies  north  of  New-Holland,  from  which 
it  is  separated  by  Endeavor  straits.  The  land  is  low, 
but  fertile.  Most  of  the  trees  and  plants  common  to  the 
South  Sea  Islands  are  produced  here  ;  parti'' ularly  the 
cocoa-nut,  plantain,  and  bread  fruit  trees.  Alarriagc  is 
here  consummated  by  the  parties  covenanting  before  wit- 
nesses. 

Iv'kw-Britain  lies  to  the  north  of  New-Guinea.  A 
strait  divides  it  into  two  islands,  the  northernmost  of  whicli 
is  called  New-Ireland.  'I'hc  shores  of  both  iblands  arc 
rocky,  the  itiland  parts  are  higli  and  mountainous,  but  cov- 
ered with  trees  of  various  kinds,  among  which  are  the  nut  ■ 


S58  SOUTH  SEA  ISLES. 

mej^,  the  cocoa-nut,  and  different  kinds  of  palm.  The 
inhabitants  are  black,  and  woolly  headed,  like  negroes, 
but  iiave  not  tlieir  flat  noses  and  thick  lips. 

Nkw-Caledonia  extends  from  19  ♦o  32"  south  latitude. 
The  inhabitayts  are  strong,  active,  and  -well  made  ;  their 
hair  is  black,  and  mucli  frizzled,  but  not  Viooily  ;  their 
beards  are  crisp  and  tliitk  ;  and  their  '.m\y  coveririg  is  a 
wrapper  made  from  the  bark  of  a  tree.  They  cultivate 
the  soil  with  some  art  and  industry,  but  subsist  chiefly  on 
roots  and  flsli.  Plantains  and  siit^ar  caiics  are  not  plenti- 
ful ;  bread  fruit  is  very  scarce,  and  the  cocoa-nut  trees 
but  thinly  planted  ;  but  their  yams  and  taras  are  in  great 
abundance.  Their  houses  are  circular,  like  a  bee  hive, 
and  as  close  and  warm  ;  being  formed  of  small  spars  and 
reeds,  covered  with  long,  coarse  grass,  and  the  floor  laid 
with  tiry  grass.  They  arc  of  a  pacific  disposition  ;  and 
their  wo<nen  are  much  chuster  than  those  of  the  more 
eastern  islands. 

The  NEw-nEHHiDEs  are  between  the  latitude  of  14 
and  26°  south,  and  consist  of  a  number  of  islands,  of  dif- 
ferent names  and  dimensions. 

Between  34  and  43°  south  latitude  lies  the  island  of 
New-Zealand, surrounded  by  several  smaller  ones  ;  with 
productions  and  inhabitants  similar  to  those  above  de- 
sci'lbed. 

Van  Dieman's  Land   is  separated  from  New-IIollar.d 
by  a  strait  30  leagues  wide.     It  presents  a  most  inhospit- 
able shore  ;  the  land  is  covered  with  trees.     The  inhab- 
itants are  naked,  and  have  black  woolly  hair.     Opossums- 
and  kangaroos  are  the  principal  animals. 

Polynesia.  The  second  grand  division  of  the  South 
Sea  Isles  embraces  the  following  islands. 

The  Pelew  Isles  The  Marquesas 

The  Ladrones  Ingraham's  Isles 

The  Carolines  The  Society  Isles 

The  Sandwich  Isles  The  Friendly  Isies. 

The  Pelew  Isles  lie  between  5  and  9°  N.  lat.  Ths 
natives  are  simple  in  their  manners,  delicate  in  their  senti- 
ments, and  friendly  in  their  dispositions.    Their  arms  ars- 


SOUTH  SEA.  ISLES.  359 

bamboo  darts.     Their  principal  food  is  cocoa  nuts.     The 
country  is  covered  with  timber  trees  of  a  large  size. 

The  Ladroxes  or  Marian  Isles  arc  15  in  number, 
S  or  4  of  which  only  are  inhabited  ;  some  of  them  are 
volcanic.     The  largest  contains  30,000  inhabitants. 

The  Carolines  are  about  30  in  number,  and  very 
populous.  The  inhabitants  resemble  those  of  the  Philip- 
pines. Each  isle  has  its  chief,  but  all  respect  one  monarch. 
Ilogolen,  the  principal  isle,  is  90  miles  long.  They  ex- 
tend eastward  of  the  Pclews  nearly  in  the  same  latitude. 

The  Sandwich  Isles  are  1  I  in  number,  the  principal 
of  which  is  Owhyhee.  The  climate  is  similar  to  that  of 
the  West-Indies.  The  inhabitants  are  generally  above 
the  middle  size,  with  fine  open  countenances.  Their 
v/eapons  of  war  are  spears,  daggers,  clubs,  and  slings. 

The  MARquESAS  are  5  in  number,  between  9  and  10° 
south  latitude.  The  inhabitants  are  the  finest  race  of 
people  in  all  these  islands  ;  and  for  good  shape  and  reg- 
ular features,  perhaps  surpass  all  nations.  They  have 
hogs,  fowls,  plantains,  bread-fruit  and  cocoa-nut  trees. 

Ingraham's  Isles,  7  in  number,  lie  northwest  of  the 
Marquesas.  They  were  discovered  by  Capt.  Ingraham 
of  Bosten,  in  1791.  Cotton  of  a  superior  quality  grows 
here.  The  inhabitants  are  similar  to  those  of  the  Mar- 
v'|uesas. 

The  Society  Isles  are  a  cluster  lying  near  the  16th 
degree  south  latitude,  the  principal  of  which  is  Otaheitc. 
The  vegetable  productions  of  these  islands  are  numerous 
and  luxuriant.  The  inhabitants  of  Ota^heite  alone  are  es- 
timated at  204,000.  The  people  exceed  the  middle  size 
of  Europeans  in  stature.  In  their  dispositions,  they  are 
brave,  open,  and  generous,  without  either  suspicion  or 
treachery.  Except  a  few  traces  of  natural  cunning,  and 
some  traces  of  dissimulation,  equally  artless  and  inoffen- 
sive, they  possess  the  most  perfect  simplicity  of  character. 
Otaheite  alone,  it  is  supposed,  can  send  out  1720  war  ca- 
noes, and  68,000  able  men.  The  chief  of  each  district 
superintends  the  equipping  of  the  fleet  in  that  district; 
but  they  must  pass  in  review  before  the  king,  so  that  he 
knows  the  state  of  ihc  whole  before  they  assemble  to  go 
on  service.  DiHcrcnt  deities  arc  worshipped  in  dillercnt 
parts  of  the  island.     If  they  see   others  more   prospcroi;.. 


360  SOUTH  SEA  ISLES. 

than  themselves,  they  adopt  their  gods  and  reject  their 
own.  They  believe  the  soul  immortal,  but  have  no  dis- 
tinct ideas  of  rewards  and  punishments.  Though  they 
are  the  most  friendly  and  amiable  pagans  in  the  world,  hu- 
man sacrifices  are  common.  To  atone  for  their  sins  they 
murder  their  neighbors,  offer  them  to  their  gods,  and 
leave  their  bones  on  the  sand. 

Easter  Island,  generally  Kcckoned  one  of  the  Socie- 
ty Isles,  is  a  barren  spot,  and  has  no  fresh  water,  except 
in  the  crater  of  an  extinguished  volcano.  The  natives 
are  sometimes  ariven  to  the  necessity  of  drinking  sea  wa- 
ter. They  are  about  2000  souls,  a  thievish,  lewd  race  of 
mortals.  Their  soil  is  fertile  ;  yams,  potatoes,  and  ba- 
nanas, are  their  principal  support. 

The  Frpendly  Islands  were  so  namedby  Capt.  Cook, 
from  the  hospitable  disposition  of  the  natives.  The  isl- 
ands are  150  in  number,  avcU  planted  witli  cocoa-nut  and 
bread  fruit  trees,  plantains,  sugar  canes,  Sec.  The  inhab- 
itants amount  to  200,000.  They  are  active  and  industri- 
ous, acquainted  neither  with  riches,  wants,  nor  oppres- 
sion. 


FINIS. 


> 


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